Here on RSG, we have many articles about what it’s like to drive in San Francisco and other parts of California. While that’s helpful, many drivers requested more perspectives from Midwest and East Coast drivers – and Andy delivered! Andy Micka from Arrivals with Andy covers what it’s like driving for Uber in the Midwest, plus strategies Midwest drivers can implement today.
Are you a Midwest or East Coast driver and what to share your driving tips and strategies! Reach out to us here.
“Hoosier Hospitality.” Some people have heard of it. Most who have not travelled to Indiana have not. Hoosier Hospitality is something we Hoosier’s hold dear – the genuine, whole-hearted desire to provide excellent accommodation and services to all. Whether food or drink service, hotels, businesses or, in our case, rideshare driving, we Hoosier’s pride ourselves on our desire and ability to make all feel welcome, happy, and satisfied.
Related: 7 Habits of Highly Effective Rideshare Drivers
What are Uber Passengers in the Midwest Like?
I have heard and read lots of horror stories about how passengers in big cities and on the coasts treat their drivers, how they act, and all-in-all what they’re like. Let’s just say I’m glad I don’t drive there. However, as a general rule, passengers in and around Indianapolis are kind, friendly, patient, and gracious.
The strange part? Indianapolis hosts many, many conventions throughout the year, every year. Many of the rideshare passengers tend to be visitors/tourists. Why is that weird? Because many of these people are from the very large, coastal cities I previously said I wouldn’t drive in. This is where Hoosier Hospitality comes in.
Hoosier Hospitality and our general kindness is infectious to those who visit. Those who may normally be rude, standoffish, or overly demanding in their home cities, tend to be quite a bit more patient, kind, and gracious while they’re here. We treat people with kindness and respect and, whether they’re used to giving and getting it in their normal lives, they give and get it while they’re here.
Related: We’re in it Together: Providing an Excellent Driving Experience
And the residents – it goes without saying… The vast majority are wonderful to have as passengers. The “worst” passengers I usually get are most often just those who don’t want to talk, or are busy with work tasks on their devices. Yes, I’ve had a couple horror stories. But only a couple.
The Worst Passengers I’ve Had in the Midwest
As you might imagine, both of my horror stories involved heavily intoxicated people. The first: I picked up a “gentleman” from a “gentleman’s club” along with what appeared to be, and I verified through conversation along the trip, a paid-for female companion. Not only was he stripping in my back seat, trying to convince her to perform “favors” for him, she was very clearly trying to avoid any contact whatsoever.
When we arrived at the destination, the guy got out first. I asked the lady if she wanted me to drive off with her in my car, and take her somewhere safe. She declined and got out.
The second: A group of five people, which was a problem to begin with as I can only take four passengers (aside from myself) in my SUV. One had clearly gotten into a fight, and his anger had not left. I first informed them that I could only take four passengers. The lady who booked the ride, and two others, were in the vehicle. She told me to “just go and let them figure out their own ride.” I locked the doors, and proceeded to (slowly) drive off.
The guy who had gotten into the fight decided it was a good idea to walk/run with my vehicle while holding onto the door handle, banging extremely hard on my window, and demanding I pull over and stop as he is a military police officer. Luckily, being from a military family, I know that military police don’t have jurisdiction over civilians off of a military installation. I proceeded to increase my speed slowly, and he finally let go. The three passengers were extremely grateful that I got them out of that situation, and thanked me profusely.
Although I had many times previously wished I had a 5+ passenger vehicle, I was very happy, at that moment in time, that I in fact did not – there’s no telling what the ride to their destination would have been like.
I have found that, contrary to stories I’ve read from large and coastal cities, passengers here in Indy tend to just want to chat about the weather, local news, sports, or visitors wanting to know the great restaurants and hidden gems. The visitors also like to learn about the history and weird facts about Indy, like how we have the most monuments in the country, second only to Washington D.C., or that we’re called “The Crossroads of America” not only because we have so many highways and freeways running through it, but that Indy is within a 12-hour drive of almost half of the U.S. population.
What is Driving for Uber in the Midwest like?
One upside of driving for Uber in the Midwest? Traffic. In the heart of rush hour traffic, you can cross the entire city in less than an hour. Also, the interstates crisscrossing the city make it relatively easy (and fast) to get anywhere, from anywhere. We do have lots of construction but, for the most part, the work is done during non-peak and even overnight hours, as to not impede daytime traffic.
The downside to driving here? Demand for ride share services. Being less populated, and with having an extremely walkable downtown, demand for rides isn’t (what I can only imagine to be) nearly the demand of large and coastal cities. Yes, there are busy times, events that people need to leave, and times when trips to or from the airport are abundant. But as a general rule, we probably have too many drivers for the number of passengers. This seems to be a problem everywhere, so I’ll leave this one alone for now.
In a nutshell – driving in Indianapolis is calm, easy, and most often, fun. However, it can be boring waiting for your next ride.
Related: Tips for Driving in a Mid-Size Market
What are the Best Driving Strategies for Midwest Drivers?
Ignore Big Events
When I first started driving, I started with all the “big” ideas – drive at/around big events, be at a stadium at the end of a game, at a concert venue at the end of a concert, etc.
However, I mentioned earlier that, like other cities, we have too many drivers for the demand. When I was at these big events, I noticed that there were TONS of other drivers around, so there was no surge. And you sit. And wait. Then you’d have to find your passenger in the crowd. Then you’d have to leave the area.
So I started doing the opposite – when there is a big event, say a Pacers game downtown, I will go to one of the shopping or dining centers elsewhere in the city, and get ride after ride after ride. Why did I get them? Because the vast majority of other drivers were downtown waiting for rides from the Pacers game.
Get to Know Your City – Indy is a 24/7 Midwest City
Also, what will come as a surprise to many, Indy is a 24/7 city. People are always out and doing things, always needing rides. Specifically, lots of people late-night needing rides from bars, to or from work/home, or to their next party destination.
Originally, I was driving during rush hour times, specifically trying to get the soon-to-be-gone Lyft Power Driver Bonus. It didn’t work. I didn’t like it. So I drive late evening and late night. Using this strategy, surprisingly, my busiest times tend to be Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. Some of these are bar people needing safe rides home, yes. But mostly, they’re commuters. People who work 2nd and 3rd shifts, who need rides to and from work. A lot of these are people leaving their service industry jobs, such as bars, restaurants, and hotels, late at night.
Related: How to Become a Great Navigator – and Why it Matters
Pay Attention to All Events – Not Just the Big Ones
I also keep a daily look at conventions and other non-sport and non-concert events. Why does this matter so much in Indy, and maybe a bit more than many other cities? As of 2016 (the last year full numbers are available), Indy had 28.6 million visitors – and it’s growing every year. But here again I kind of use a reverse-strategy, as I mentioned above.
Do I drive for the large events? Of course. It would be dumb not to. However, many drivers tend to ignore the smaller conventions of 2500 or less attendees. Because of the significantly lower number of drivers for these smaller conventions, I tend to stay much busier than with the larger ones.
Driving for Uber in the Midwest: Is it Worth it?
All in all, I like driving in Indy. It’s fun. It makes me money. It allows me freedom to work when and for how long I want. We don’t have the restrictive laws that other places, like NYC, have. The passengers are great, traffic is most often easy, and even though the weather can be a bit unpredictable, we seldom get severe weather.
Sure, there are downsides to driving for Uber in the Midwest, including too many drivers and not always enough passengers. But that can happen anywhere and, overall, we’re not saturated like some markets are. If you’ve been considering driving for Uber or Lyft in the Midwest, follow my strategies above and let me know how it goes in the comments.
Readers, do you drive in the Midwest? What tips do you have for your fellow drivers?
Andy Micka, a 36-year old Hoosier, has been a resident of Indianapolis for 22 years. He’s a “people-person” and has been told by many that he has “never met a stranger.” Andy is always looking for ways to improve both upon himself and his future, which has ultimately led him to start his company, Arrivals With Andy, LLC, and chart his own path. Although single with no kids, he does have a fur baby, “Sis” – a purebred Miniature Pinscher. Andy’s favorite personal quote: “Failure is only one of the many steps in achieving success.”
-Harry @ RSG
