I need a Lyft, and an Uber.

I Need A Lyft And An Uber.
By Jeff Jordan

If you read this article linked below, you get a lot of information about the financial and operational side of what has become known as the ride-sharing business.
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/aug/04/uber-ride-share-lyft-ipo-earnings

Then there is the story where the rubber meets the road. 

Sorry I couldn't resist.

First, There Are The Customers.

In an autocentric area like the Fox Valley, I do not think enough people know enough about ride-sharing to understand the difference it makes in many peoples lives.

If you've never used the service, let me put you through the process. You need a smartphone. Go to an App Store (Apple or Google) and download the Uber or Lyft App. (I have both) You have to establish a profile and give them credit or debit card information. When you open the app, you define where you want to go. The system finds an available driver. GPS tells the driver where you are.

The App will give you the map of the trip and the cost, your driver's name, the number of customers he/she has served, their rating (5 being the highest) the kind of car the driver is using and the license plate number.

The map will also show you where the driver is located, approximately how long it will take he/she to arrive for pick up and how long it will take to get you to your destination. If you keep watching the map, you will see your drivers progress. I have never waited for more than ten minutes.

When the pickup is about to take place, make sure it's your driver. (I check the license number as the car approaches.) They will take you where you want to go. When you arrive at your destination, you thank them, get out of the car and you're finished. You will get an email receipt that allows you to rate your driver and tip them if you wish.

If you've ever ordered a cab, you know how much more efficient the Uber/Lyft method is. You don't have to be in the dark about the cost of the trip. You know when the driver is going to arrive. You don't have to wonder if they a running up the meter by going the long way. And let me tell you, the rideshare vehicles are newer, cleaner and more comfortable.

From The Drivers Perspective

I have found most of the drivers like to chat while the trip unfolds. They tell me they try to read the customers wishes as far as engagement. The half-asleep airport-bound rider at 4:00am usually is not too chatty. Nor is the rider buried in a business report, magazine or newspaper going to want to talk.

They own the car they are driving. It is almost always a car they would have even if they weren't driving for Uber/Lyft. My drivers have been equally male and female. Most of them do it part-time. They learn from experience when is the best time to be out. I'm amazed by how many of them will be out in the wee hours of the morning because of the demand for airport drop-offs.

Then there is the late night 'I won't drive because I'm too drunk" customer. Some drivers won't work those hours because let's face it, drunks can be real assholes. Other drivers realize they might be saving someone's life or at the very least, a DUI.

One driver admitted that after he retired, he got sick of sitting around. He enjoys the company, the conversation, and the extra money. Some of my drivers work for both Uber and Lyft. I'm told neither company cares

Most of the drivers like what they are doing because they have the freedom to work or not. For some of them, driving is part-time because they have another job. One driver shared with me that he's a stay-at-home dad. When he takes his kid to school, he makes himself available. If his child is off school for a day or ill, he doesn't have to ask for time off.

So What Does All Of This Mean

Ridesharing seems expensive. I spent almost thirty dollars one day going to my doctor's appointment. I now have the local service for handicapped and seniors which would have lowered that to eight dollars. But when you think of what a car costs the average driver (Seven to nine thousand dollars per year.) it's not as bad as it seems. (At an annual cost of $7000.00 dollars divided by that $30. day of mine is 234 trips).

I have options like public transportation and soon I will be able to ride my bike. Some people don't have as many options. Some people drive and they shouldn't. We are as family members and society are reluctant to take away senior drivers licenses because we don't offer them reasonable options. We know this demographic is going to grow significantly in the near future. Heads up America!