If you’re new to ride-sharing, Uber is the go-to option for most people. However, Lyft is definitely worth considering. In the battle of Uber vs Lyft, this article will break down the differences between the two services and help you decide which one to use.
Price
Uber and Lyft both charge fees for their rides, but the fees can vary based on time of day and demand for the service. Uber’s “Surge Pricing” can send fees soaring to seven or eight times their normal cost; this type of pricing happens most often around busy holidays such as New Year or Cinco de Mayo, when users are out drinking and unable to drive home. While Lyft also has surge pricing, their fees tend to remain lower. ..
Both Uber and Lyft offer rides at a set price before you get in. You can compare the prices before getting in by using their websites or apps. While it seems like Uber and Lyft would be similar, there are some significant savings to be had when using either of these services. For example, if you’re looking for a ride to the airport, Uber may be cheaper than Lyft.
Subscriptions/Passes
Uber has its own version of a monthly pass, which allows users to use the service for a set amount of months before having to renew. Lyft does not have a monthly pass, but instead offers users a set amount of rides per month.
Uber offers a rewards program called Uber Rewards. This program allows users to earn points for rides and orders through the Uber app. Points can be used to get discounts on future rides and other rewards. The Uber Rewards program is completely free, so there is no downside to using it. ..
Uber offers a Ride Pass for $25 per month that promises to provide “protected pricing” for specific routes no matter the weather or time of day. In theory, this means you can avoid surge pricing. The Ride Pass also allows free use of JUMP Bikes and scooter rides for up to 30 minutes each day. ..
Lyft has a new service called Lyft Pink that takes the place of the old Lyft ride pass. This new service offers 15% off all rides, priority pickup from the airport, three fee-less cancellations per month, and three free 30-minute bike and scooter rides per month.
When comparing Uber and Lyft, Lyft offers tangible benefits such as being less expensive and having a more customer-friendly interface. ..
Safety
Since the beginning of their respective companies, Lyft and Uber have been embroiled in multiple controversies. These have included sexual misconduct allegations by drivers towards passengers, as well as the implementation of safety features to provide riders with peace of mind.
Uber is testing a new feature that will auto-populate a text message with information about the make and model of the car, the intended destination, current location, and more that can be sent to authorities. All users have to do is fill in their emergency. There is also a tool that allows users to report other issues during a ride, such as bad driving or misconduct from the driver.
Uber is introducing a new feature called Verify Your Ride. This will provide a four-digit app the driver will need to enter. When the driver enters the code, if it matches the one designated for that ride, the passenger will receive a text message confirming that the ride is legitimate. Uber says this feature adds another layer of protection on top of verifying the license plate. ..
Lyft has implemented a smart trip check-in feature that will detect if there are unexpected delays during the ride. This feature is beneficial for riders who may be anxious about waiting long periods of time for a ride.
This will popup on the rider’s phone and ask them to tap that they arrived safely to their destination, report a problem, or request emergency assistance. Lyft also says that all drivers will be required to take a community safety education class.
Uber vs Lyft: Which Is The Better Choice?
There is no clear line between the two services. In fact, the majority of drivers work for both services and take rides based on where they are at the time a request comes in. ..
At most times of day, you will find that prices remain relatively the same between both Uber and Lyft. The only time prices differ significantly is during busy periods. Uber has a leg up for international travelers, as Uber is available in roughly 70 different countries. ..
The main difference between Uber and Lyft is that Uber offers more safety features, while Lyft has a better ride pass option.
You can choose one over the other, but the best option is to download both apps and use the one that best fits your needs at a given time.
Do you prefer Uber or Lyft? What are your experiences with the services? Let us know in the comments below.
