Table of Contents
Lecture 1: Navigation Apps
Each has its pros and cons so let’s get started with how navigation tools are similar and different. Each navigation tool works by using your mobile smartphones’ GPS location to show you turn by turn directions.
- Uber navigation
- Lyft navigation
- Google maps
- Apple maps
- Waze
Uber navigation
Already integrated into the driver app for fluid user experience. This is super convenient when you are behind the wheel as you have less to fumble around with on your phone, although it may not be as up to date on best routes as the leading navigation apps like Google or Waze. This is especially evident when there is heavy traffic or if there are road closures and major construction delays.
Lyft navigation
The same as Uber navigation, Lyft navigation is also built within the Lyft driver app to allow you to seamlessly use the app for each trip. The major difference is that Lyft will add additional riders to your queue automatically. This isn’t always what the driver wants do be sure to turn off new rides quickly after accepting them to avoid this.
Google maps
Google maps is familiar to many drivers especially those working on Android smartphones. This may be a natural choice of navigation app to use for those familiar with Google. A major difference between this navigation app and the native driver apps is traffic slow down updates that may be helpful when you drive rush hours. A downside is switching constantly between the driver apps and Goole maps because this is not built within the driver apps.
Waze navigation
Utilizes crowdsourced data to predict best routes in real-time allowing you to avoid traffic jams, cops, construction, or any other road hazard. Is not integrated with the driver app which means you have to tab out and switch out of the driver app into another app to use. This can be clumsy especially if you are behind the wheel focusing on driving.
We recommend using the built-in navigation tools when you first begin driving rideshare to keep things as simple as possible. You already have too many things going on at once when you first start driving to worry about switching between apps. Just use the built-in navigation on the driver apps so you can focus on learning the trip taking process. Master the art of accepting pings, picking up your passenger, and dropping them off safely first and all within the driver app. Once you get comfortable with the trip process, then explore the other options available to you.
Take Action for Lecture 1
- Download all of the above navigation apps and play around with them
- Find the best navigation tool experience you enjoy and stick with it