Lyft, like Uber, matches drivers with passengers who request rides through the smartphone app. As a passenger, you pay automatically through the app. As a driver, you have to opportunity to be your own boss.
What passengers Need To Know:
Ride Cost Calculation
The cost of a ride is determined by Lyft’s system.
Passengers pay directly through the app.
Ride costs are based on time and distance.
Lyft ride prices are calculated by mile, minute, a base charge, Trust and Safety Fee, and Prime Time (if applicable).
Prices differ from city to city. If you’d like to get an estimate for a ride, check out your city’s page at http://lyft.com/cities.
There is a maximum cost and distance of a Lyft ride.
The average distance of a Lyft ride is two to three miles, so long rides are rare. However, in the event of a longer-than-average ride, there is a maximum base amount. The maximum base amount for a ride is as follows: $500 in New York City and New Jersey, $240 in Los Angeles, $200 for all other regions.
Unusually high ride charge amounts are subject for review.
Is Lyft safe? Lyft’s community safety is a top priority. They run extensive background checks on drivers, provide up to $1M commercial automobile liability policy, and design numerous safety features into the app. Passengers must provide a valid credit card and phone number for identity verification purposes. Drivers and passengers also rate each other at the end of a ride, so that both parties are always upholding Lyft’s high community standards.
What (potential) drivers need to know:
Do you have to drive whenever someone requests a ride? You choose when you drive. You can earn a part-time or full-time income driving for Lyft. Some drivers make more than $800 just driving Friday nights and weekends.
How do you get paid? Drivers get a portion of ride fees from passengers. Money is deposited into your account each week automatically, or you can cash out instantly with Express Pay.
What are Lyft’s requirements for drivers? You must be at least 21 and own an iPhone or Android phone. As part of their approval process, you’ll undergo a DMV check, plus a national and county background check. This will require a Social Security number, in addition to an in-state driver’s license that is at least a year old. Learn more about Lyft’s background check standards on their Safety page, and their comprehensive driver requirements in the Help Center. Your car needs to have four external door handles and at least five total seat belts. You must be a covered party on your car’s in-state insurance, and have in-state license plates. They’ll confirm all of this during your 19-point vehicle inspection. Cars have Lyft age requirements too, which can vary by state. See your state-specific requirements.
My Experience:
I signed up using a friend’s Lyft promo code. When I used the code, I earned $50 in Free Ride Credit from Lyft! So far I’ve used Lyft’s driving service four times! Every driver was respectful and professional thus far. I prefer to use Lyft over Taxi drivers. My reason is that I’ve had bad experiences with Taxi drivers.
My First Ride:
Costs $12.88
Ride: $16.33
Trust & Service Fee: $1.55
Lyft Credit: -$5.00
My Second Ride:
Costs $10.15
Ride: $12.60
Trust & Service Fee: $1.55
Tip:$1
Lyft Credit: -$5.00
My Third Ride:
Costs $22.20
Ride: $25.65
Trust & Service Fee: $1.55
Lyft Credit: -$5.00
My Fourth Ride:
Costs $1.05
Ride: $4.50
Trust & Service Fee: $1.55
Lyft Credit: -$5.00
Can You Earn More Lyft Ride Credit? Yes! Lyft provides you with your own referral link to share with family, friends and acquaintances for an opportunity to earn $5 credits towards future rides. Each time someone signs up using your code and takes their first ride, you earn a $5 Lyft credit.
I shared my Lyft code on Twitter at http://Twitter.com/KeyannasPosts with my 33,800+ Twitter followers and someone named Kim decided to use my code. She allowed me to earn a free $5 ride credit!
Like this idea? Get a ride with Lyft! Use my code to get $50 worth of free ride credits! That’s $5 off your 1st ten rides! Sign up at https://www.lyft.com/invited/keyanna009438 OR click on the banner below to get your $50 ride credits!