Lyft

Sharing Rides: The Popular Service That is Changing Public Transportation


Rideshare services are a type of unofficial taxi service that is gaining in popularity all over the world. They differ from a traditional cab because each driver is a private contractor who can work whenever they would like and end their workday when they want as well. In addition, these services never require a driver to work anywhere other than the neighborhoods they are familiar with and they connect them only to people in need of a ride that are nearest to a specific driver on duty.

There are many similarities between how different companies manage this type of service. They typically are only available through their own mobile app, rather than by phone. The driver uses their own vehicle and is required to keep it maintained and insured on their own. Each rider is requested to rate the driver after their trip, and drivers who receive too many negative reviews are removed from service.

Rideshare companies are careful to screen drivers for criminal records and their driving history. The customer always pays through the app for the ride, so they never have to carry cash with them. The driver is paid immediately after the trip has ended by a direct deposit initiated by the company. The rider has no obligation to tip the driver, but it is allowed if they wish. Passengers can follow the route on their mobile device, and they can share the information with friends and family, so they can estimate the arrival time.



Both Lyft and Uber, the most popular services, offer basic and upscale vehicles. Customer can request an SUV if they want more room or have multiple passengers or they can choose to be picked up by a luxury car. The customer can receive quotes for all rides upfront, and with Uber, the opportunity to allow other people to be picked up along the route can help to reduce the cost.

There are benefits of using this type of service rather than a taxi service. In most instances, taxi rides are more expensive, cabs are not always available in the rural areas and small towns where there are Uber Free Ride opportunities and these cars typically arrive faster than a taxi. The process of eliminating a dispatcher and linking drivers to clients by GPS has greatly boosted efficiency.

There are many people who use these services every day, and many others that are earning a living or making some extra cash on the side as a driver. Both companies offer services around the world, and the process is operated exactly the same no matter where in the world the ride is provided.