Gridwise blog

Were those gas surcharges companies gave drivers this spring too good to be true? It looks that way. While Uber Eats and DoorDash lent a hand to drivers as they dealt with crippling fuel costs for a limited period of time, that’s all changing. These big delivery companies are doing a whole other kind of “takeaway,” and it involves their gas incentive programs. In this post, we’ll fill you in on the details, provide insight into the companies’ rationale, and give you tools you can depend on from now on. Here’s how it will go.

• Killer gas prices and for DoorDash and Uber Eats drivers: companies pull back subsidies
• Why delivery companies are scaling back their support
• Gas rewards for rideshare and delivery drivers that won’t go away

Killer gas prices for DoorDash and Uber Eats drivers: companies pull back subsidies

The crisis created by the steep rise in fuel prices is on every driver’s mind. When the surge in gas prices first happened, the companies came to the aid of their drivers by offering bonuses to help cover their pumpside costs.They got this money from surcharges they tagged onto customer orders. Uber Eats drivers received $0.45 per order, and Dashers got weekly bonuses beginning at $5.00 if they covered 100 miles or more while making deliveries. 

No one is saying these measures even came close to covering the actual burden of gas price increases, but they were at least some help. Now, though, things have changed. It appears there are limits to the good things companies like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash can do for their drivers.

Uber announced that the Uber Eats surcharge on customers will no longer be applied as of June 15th. Similarly, DoorDash has stopped offering those weekly bonuses to help cover the cost of gas. Instead, they’re offering a cash-back program, but it has been extended only to August 31st.

Uber is keeping its $0.55 per ride surcharge on rideshare passengers. But, just like the measures taken for delivery drivers, this doesn’t come close to relieving the hurt of real, pumped-up fuel prices.

To say the impact on drivers is painful is an understatement, and the rise in prices shows no signs of letting up. According to AAA, prices for regular gas have risen from a national average of $3.041 just one year ago to $4.599. That amounts to an increase of 51%. 

As we go further into summer, prices could go up even more. Pressure on drivers is mounting, so why are the companies pulling back the little bit of support they’ve offered over the last few months?

Why delivery companies are scaling back their support

Drivers might wonder why delivery companies have abandoned their efforts to help their drivers handle the high gas prices.

Company rationale rests in the business behind food delivery in the gig economy. Drivers and customers are not the only people company executives want to keep happy. There are those who have invested their money in company stock, and these investors put pressure on executives to perform.

Stockholders in Uber and DoorDash are not very happy with what’s happened to their shares so far in 2022. According to this NBC News article, the delivery business has been slowing down. This is largely the result of pandemic restrictions being lifted, and those formerly avid delivery customers going back to eating in restaurants rather than having all their prepared meals delivered. 

Inflation is another reason cited for the decline of delivery orders. The perfect storm that lifted delivery to its heights in 2020 and 2021 is regrouping and bringing the delivery business down to much lower performance levels.

After reaching a high of $246 in November 2020, DoorDash shares have done a “Dash Crash” and are now down to $89 per share. That’s a 64% loss. Uber shares went into a tailspin also, falling around 31%, from $45 to $31. 

For several years, shareholders in these companies have pressured executives to become profitable, and that road has been long and rough. In some cases, the companies did actually make a profit, but it’s hard to say how long their ability to stay in the black will hold out. Now it seems profitability for these businesses is going to become more difficult to achieve than ever before.

This means the companies must cut operating costs in order to do what they promised their shareholders they would do—make money. US News reports that Uber is cutting expenses across the board. That is to say, they plan to scale back the costs of their operations by slowing down their rate of hiring, slashing marketing expenditures, and ending most driver incentives. 

Remember, about a year ago, when Uber and Lyft offered big bonuses to drivers brave enough to return after the pandemic? It worked. Now Uber says they have restored the pool of drivers back to what it was before the pandemic happened. Those incentives are no longer needed, so even the extra perks that haven’t already evaporated will soon disappear.

It’s worth noting that Uber, while it plans to erase the gas subsidy for Uber Eats drivers, will continue the $0.55 surcharge, as a way of offering partial rideshare driver gas reimbursement for those drivers. They probably (wisely) intuit that if they do nothing for rideshare drivers, they’ll motor away, and cruise right off the Uber platform. 

As for Uber Eats drivers, the company feels confident that they can shift to doing rideshare if they’re unhappy delivering food. Conveniently for Uber, this allows them to partially divest from what is being seen as a food delivery business that’s in decline, without abandoning it completely. A shift of this kind can also boost their rideshare driver supply.

If they don’t take measures to help them, Uber’s rideshare business could lose drivers to Lyft, where executives say they are holding on to the driver incentives until they feel they’ve brought their pool of drivers up to pre-pandemic levels. 

That doesn’t mean Lyft isn’t facing the need to cut back on costs, though. This article from Investor Place states that Lyft stock is at a 52-week low and that company executives will take measures to contain costs, but will still continue driver incentives, at least for now. They offer the same as Uber, $0.55 per ride, to help drivers cover their fuel costs.

Even those subsidies for rideshare drivers don’t do a lot for them, and the money comes from customers who are far less likely to give up the convenience of rideshare than they are to cook at home or go out to get their own food. 

Thinking of switching to another delivery service? It may help, it may not. Unless the economy improves quickly, even more companies are likely to find themselves in the same kind of situation, where they have to cut costs if they want to make a profit. 

That means that you, as a driver, need to find ways to survive in spite of the rising cost of gas and the disinclination on the part of companies to help you cover it.

Gas rewards for rideshare and delivery drivers that won’t go away

When your delivery company doesn’t bring you the kind of support you need, or your rideshare platform stops propping you up, there is a program you can always count on. Gridwise Gas offers gas rewards for rideshare and delivery drivers that won’t expire. It’s an ongoing program with a proven track record. Here’s what Gridwise Gas' partnership with GasBuddy does for you:

• offers as much as $0.25 per gallon off with every fill-up
• links your bank account to your Gridwise gas card for easy payment
• continues to offer savings, even if your gig driving company ends its gas program

Gridwise Gas is an awesome program as it is, but soon you’ll be able to save even more! Keep your eyes on Gridwise for updates to Gridwise Gas you’re going to love.

Gridwise Gas is the best gas card for Uber drivers and offers the most dependable gas discount for DoorDash drivers. Sign up now for Gridwise Gas through the free Gridwise app to get on board.

 While you’re at it, be sure to use Gridwise to cash in on more actions you can take to cut costs:

• Track mileage: Track every mile to get your maximum mileage deduction, and get compensated for wear and tear.
• Record expenses: Keep an account of what you spend to keep your car running with our earnings and expense tracking tools.
• Drive smarter: Use Gridwise features When to Drive and Where to Drive to minimize your fuel usage, and maximize your earning power.

Unleash the power of the world’s best rideshare and delivery assistant. 

Download the free Gridwise app now!

Why do Uber and Lyft customers use rideshare? To “get around,” of course! Maybe that’s what the people behind the innovative transportation business Getaround had in mind when they named the company. In the past, Getaround has been seen as a potential rival for Uber and Lyft, but things have changed. We’d say it’s a new way to be a gig driver, except you’re not always the one doing the driving when you work with this app.

Getaround has been in business since 2009. It’s recently attracted a lot of attention because it has just let loose with a public offering via a SPAC (Special Purpose Acquisition Company). From the gig driver’s perspective, the influx of funding from the deal can’t be a bad thing, especially if you’re looking for a sweet side gig in the rideshare game. 

We thought we’d take a look at how this company works, and what’s in it for rideshare drivers and others who might want to give Getaround a try. Here’s what we’ll examine:

• Rideshare driver news: Does Getaround compete with Uber and Lyft?
• How Getaround works
• Uber driver news: Getaround rents to Uber drivers!
• Uber driver tips and Lyft driver advice: The pros and cons of listing or driving with Getaround

Rideshare driver news: Does Getaround compete with Uber and Lyft?

There have probably been plenty of times when you’ve posed the long list of Uber vs. Lyft questions. Which is higher, Uber driver pay or Lyft driver pay? Which is more popular? Where can I get the best bonuses? Which one has the better rewards program? There are more, but let’s get back to the comparison to Getaround.

With few exceptions, it doesn’t often occur to us to ask whether there are any Uber competitors or Lyft competitors. The two biggest rideshare companies have done a stellar job of cornering the market in most major metro areas. Now, though, with Getaround’s public offering, more people are getting curious about how the company works, how it differs from Uber and Lyft, and how it can help rideshare drivers and others make money.

Let’s be clear. Getaround could be a rival of Uber and Lyft in some ways, but in general it’s too different to be in direct competition. Most rideshare passengers call a car when they want to get from one place to another. Many times, it’s because they don’t want to drive their own vehicles. Maybe it will be too much of a pain to park where they’re going, or they want to have a few drinks while they’re out, while still keeping themselves and others who might be on the road safe.

Getaround has a whole different thing going on. Like Uber and Lyft, Getaround works on an app. However, that’s where the similarities end. With Getaround, an individual who might ordinarily be a passenger for an Uber driver or Lyft driver does all the driving! They’ll also have to be willing to park the car where they’re going; and before they get there, they’ll need to meet some pretty strict requirements to qualify to rent through Getaround. 

This business model attracts a whole different kind of customer. While it might remove some rideshare runs, such as trips for groceries or home goods, it probably won’t make much of a dent in rideshare business involving airport and other travel traffic, rides to events, or trips home from a night out on the town.

Still, there are opportunities to make money with Getaround. In addition to renting your own car, you can rent Getaround cars so you can drive with Uber. This is sounding more and more like a great opportunity to score some extra scratch. Let’s look at the details.

How Getaround works

As you can see already, Getaround isn’t really a ridesharing business. It’s a car-sharing business. Getaround lets people rent cars on a short-term basis, whether it’s to run errands or take a ride out into the country for the day. Getaround has also partnered with Uber, to offer cars Uber drivers can rent! The customer picks up the car at its “home” location, unlocks and starts it with the app, and uses the car for a few hours, or a whole day.

Where do the cars come from? That’s where Getaround gets interesting for people who want to add some padding onto their rideshare driver pay. You can create a business of your own by renting your car out to Getaround users!

How is this done, and is it worth it for you? We’ll give you the facts so you can weigh the pros and cons. Then you can make your own determination. 

Let’s begin by seeing what it takes, and what you get when you offer your car to be rented through Getaround, and how much Getaround pays.

What it takes:

1. You’ll definitely need a car to share, and that car will have to be in a location where Getaround operates. Use a vehicle you already own, or buy one just to offer through Getaround. Your car will need to

• be a model year 2007 or newer
• have an odometer reading of 200,000 miles or less
• have no more than 10 passenger seats
• have at least 4 wheels and be a private passenger vehicle
• not be any of these ineligible vehicles: all models from BMW, Infiniti, Maserati, Mercedes, Tesla, Porsche, Bently, Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet Corvette, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Ford Mustang
• be shown in photos that all 4 sides have no prior or existing damage
• have a clean title, not a salvage/repair title

2. Comply with Getaround’s standards involving owner documentation, cleanliness, and ongoing monitoring. You can learn more about these requirements in this Getaround post,

What you get:

1. Paid! Once your car is accepted and available as a rental, you’ll collect money each time a Getaround guest chooses it. 
2. Regular disbursements. You’ll get paid monthly through your PayPal account.
3. A dashboard-based information center that shows how your car(s) perform(s).
4. The ability to adjust your price and change it from the one recommended by Getaround’s algorithms.
5. Feedback from Getaround on how likely the price you set is to attract customers.
6. Predictive pricing that adjusts your price based on customer demand and car availability.

How much Getaround pays:

Just like so many transportation-related gigs, your profits as a Getaround host will vary based on supply and demand. There is a minimum earnings figure of $5 per hour. Remember, though, that your car must be rented in order to receive that fee. On top of that, Getaround takes 40% of the fee you charge to offer your car for rent.

You’ll want to optimize your earning potential by refining your car’s listing and spreading the word that it’s available for hire. Read this Getaround help listing for more suggestions.

If you’re thinking about renting your car on an occasional basis, you’ll want to be aware that Getaround charges fees for listing your car(s). There is a $99 connect fee per car, and then there is a schedule of monthly subscription fees, based on the number of cars you list, that you can see in this Getaround help article. These fees can make or break your profitability, depending on how frequently your car(s) will be available to rent.

Based on all these variables, it’s difficult to say exactly how much Getaround pays. According to this post on Medium, Getaround told the blogger that he could expect to earn $500 per month if his car was available half the time, and around $1000 per month if he made it available all the time. This number doesn’t take into account the various expenses the driver incurred.

The car and the host who divulged the potential earnings quoted to him are in the City of San Francisco. You’ll have to gauge how different demand, and costs for parking, might be in your area to get a better estimate. Or you could contact Getaround to ask what potential earnings might look like for your car, based on the amount of time it can be available and where you’re located.

If you do decide to make your vehicle available for rent through Getaround, you can also benefit from their Friend Referral Bonuses Program. They’ll give you a referral link that you can distribute to friends and people you’d like to invite to join you on Getaround. Each time one of them signs up to rent their vehicle, you’ll receive $20. Lots of gig workers leverage referral links to turn them into extra income, and if you apply yourself it’s not too hard to be really successful.

On top of all that, there’s even more you can do with Getaround, now that the company has officially partnered with Uber.

Uber driver news: Getaround rents to Uber drivers!

Now in select cities you can use Getaround vehicles to drive with Uber and Uber Eats. So far the cities include Boston, San Francisco Bay Area, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Denver, Los Angeles, Portland, Philadelphia, San Diego, Seattle, and Atlanta.

Uber’s partnership with Getaround allows for lower-cost rentals, starting at $4 per hour. Also, Uber drivers receive insurance coverage, unlimited mileage, 24/7 support, and roadside assistance with their Getaround rentals.

Naturally, you’ll need to meet the requirements of all Getaround guests, including 

• being 19 years of age or older, except in LA/Orange County where you must be 22. Drivers with an International license must be 25. 
• having a clean driving record.
• knowing that you will be continually monitored by Getaround to retain eligibility.

The full list of qualifications for Getaround guests is in this post. As you’ll be able to see, they are no more stringent than the requirements you must meet to drive for Uber. 

Now,what if you’d like to rent your car to Uber drivers? That’s very doable, too. The vehicle must meet Uber’s requirements for your area. It must also

• be located in one of Getaround’s drive with Uber cities
• be already live on the Getaround app
• have 4 doors
• meet the vehicle age restrictions
• be registered with Getaround as a drive for Uber-eligible vehicle

Note that the car and document requirements will vary from one market to the next. Check this Getaround help article to find out more about eligibility requirements in your area. Once you are sure your car is eligible, you can proceed by registering it with the drive for Uber section in the Getaround app.

Just a piece of Lyft advice: the drive for Uber feature within Getaround is, at this point, for Uber drivers only. You’ll have to look for other options to rent a car for driving for Lyft. But you can list your car for Uber driver rental, whether you drive for Uber or not.

Uber driver tips and Lyft driver advice: The pros and cons of listing or driving with Getaround

We want to make sure you get some sound and concise information about the pros and cons of using Getaround, so here’s the deal:

Hosting on Getaround

On the plus side:

• You set your own pay, within reason.
• You make money without driving.
• You have the potential to make bonus money with referrals.
• You save on gas.
• Your insurance is covered.

The minuses:

• You can’t control who can drive your car.
• You won’t have access to the vehicle you’re offering for rent.
• You won’t get tips.
• You have to wait to be paid, once a month.
• You must use PayPal in order to be paid by Getaround.

Using Getaround to drive for Uber

On the plus side:

• No worries about wear and tear on your personal vehicle.
• Other family members can use your car while you’re driving.
• Uber-worthy insurance, customer service, and roadside assistance are included.
• You might be able to drive a car for Uber that’s nicer than the one you own.

The minuses:

• Renting for Uber isn’t available in a lot of markets.
• You will have to pay for your fuel.
• You have to pay to access the car through the app.
• You’re susceptible to late fees for late returns.
• You’ll have to get rides to and from the car’s spot.
• You’ll have to get used to a different car’s controls and features each time you drive.

Based on the pluses and minuses, and how available Getaround is in your area, you’re now equipped to decide whether it’s right for you. Keep watching Getaround, too. Because they’re going public, they might develop plans for more extensive or additional programs.

Whether you keep driving your own vehicle or rent one with Getaround, track every mile and penny earned with Gridwise!

On top of being the best free mileage tracking app, Gridwise gives you

• airport and event information
• weather and traffic alerts
• great deals and discounts for drivers
• Gridwise Dollar Benefits to cover your insurance needs
• time saving, money-making features that show you When to Drive and Where to Drive

Make your driving gig as successful as possible! Gridwise can help, so

Download the free Gridwise app today!

More than any other tool, except maybe your vehicle itself, yoursmartphone, and the wireless plan it uses are essential to your successas a driver. You simply can’t do gigs without a reliable connection, buthow can you get all the service you need without breaking the bank?

There are a dizzying number of options out there, but none are ascost-efficient and reliable as US Mobile. In this blog post, we’llexamine this unique plan provider, and tell you why US Mobile is such animpressive service for drivers. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• US Mobile: what it is and how it works
• Why and how US Mobile is different
• How US Mobile delivers the goods to gig drivers
• Make the switch: putting US Mobile to work for you

US Mobile: what it is and how it works

US Mobile is a fast-growing prepaid carrier that’s rethinking thewireless industry, offering over 400 customizable plans and prioritizingthe customer service experience. As an MVNO (mobile virtual networkoperator), US Mobile doesn’t need to build or maintain a ridiculouslyexpensive network of its own. Instead, it lets you choose to gain accessto the Verizon or T-mobile network at greatly reduced prices.

US Mobile delivers on user experience with their fully customizableplans that are accessible for any budget. Lots of drivers ask, “Do youneed credit to get a phone plan?” With US Mobile, your service isprepaid and contract-free. You can use a credit or debit card to makepayments, and you don’t have to prove that you have a high credit scorebefore you can use the service.

You will love the low prices and the way you can interact with theapp to manage your account. You can activate a new line, purchaseadditional minutes or data, and view the data you’ve used so you canestimate how much you’ll need in an average time period.

US Mobile is one of the cheapest mobile plans in 2022, but they don’tskimp on value. In addition to using two of the most extensive andreliable networks for their connection service, US Mobile is the bestphone plan for Uber/Lyft drivers because of the plethora of featuresthey offer.

Why and how US Mobile is different

There are plenty of cheap cell phone plans for rideshare and deliverydrivers, but they leave a lot to be desired. Many MVNOs aren’t builtwith a reliable framework, often leaving you high and dry as younavigate deadzones. You can’t afford to find yourself in an area withspotty service while you’re looking for a ride or making a delivery.Those fries can get pretty soggy while you drive around trying to findcellular bars. No matter how cheap they might be, cheap offers withunreliable service are totally insufficient for gig drivers.

US Mobile, on the other hand, offers high quality phone plans on the most reliable and advanced 5G networks. You will alwayshave the bars needed to locate customers and see exactly where to dropoff riders. What’s more, you’ll have a cell phone plan that you designto fit your specific budget and data. Don’t be fooled by their custompricing – US Mobile still offers a ridiculously powerful connectivityexperience by harnessing the power of 5G mmWave and C-band.

If you’re a power user, you can get unlimited talk, text, and data for as little as $25 per line. This price includes taxes and fees! With US Mobile, you can get perks like free Disney+, Spotify, Netflix, Xbox Live Gold, and more. You can see all the perks there are to choose from here.

You can build your own affordable cell phone plan with US Mobile. Payonly for what you need, and change your plan whenever you like. All thefeatures you have are easy to see and change through the in-appdashboard.

View all your phone lines, usage stats, and account status. You canalso refill your plan with data, minutes, or texts whenever you like.And, if you enroll in AutoPay, your plan’s assets will roll over to thenext month. It’s also possible to manage your connectivity and youraccount via quick SMS messages.

US Mobile even has ways to help you understand your usage. With USMobile’s Autopilot AI, you’ll save more, because this unique servicewill look at your usage and suggest the most appropriate plan for you.You won’t have to deal with annoying sales reps who habitually use smokeand mirrors to jack up the price of your plan and sell you more thanwhat you truly need.

US Mobile is committed to warm, friendly, and knowledgeable customer service,and makes it available to you 24/7, 365. They’ll answer your questionsand keep you up and running. With such personable customer service,there’s no need to waste time running out to the store to connect with ahuman being.

Activating a new line or porting your existing phone number over is incredibly simple. With eSIM activation,you can purchase and activate your service in a matter of minutes, allfrom your phone. You can also order a starter kit online and activatethe SIM card from the US Mobile app when your kit arrives a few dayslater.

If this isn’t enough to convince you, you’ll be thrilled to know that US Mobile has won over a dozen awards.From Best 5G Service 2022, to Best Cell Phone Service for CollegeStudents, Couples, Kids, and Seniors 2022, we’ll give them the nod forBest Phone Plan for Gig Drivers 2022, as well. Here are some reasonswhy.

How US Mobile delivers the goods to gig drivers

In addition to dependable talk and text, drivers need data—and lotsof it. Uber clearly states that the average driver using their app willexceed 3 GB of data each month. DoorDash drivers say they typically needat least 1 GB of data per week. On US Mobile, you can choosethe perfect amount of data to fit your needs. If you’re workingovertime, you can add a top-up for a few extra GB.

Drivers require a plan that’s not too complicated. When they do needhelp, they want reliable customer service. It’s not always possible fordrivers to take time off to go into a store to talk to a rep, and evenjust long waits on the phone seriously interfere with drivers’workflow.

Many drivers have more than just themselves to consider when theylook for phone service. Many have families, so they need to purchaseplans that allow family members to use their phones and take advantageof group discounts, while also making it easy to tabulate the driver’stax deductible portion.

Plans that do all these things for drivers haven’t always been soeasy to find. Now, we’ve definitely discovered one. Look at this list tosee the features you get with US Mobile that make it right for you andyour driving gig.

• Unlimited 5G cell phone plans for as little as $25 per month. Enjoyincredibly fast service that’s as affordable as it is reliable.
• Create your own plan and pay only for what you use.
• Excellent customer support. When you have a question, you don’t want to spend half an hour off the road waiting for an answer. US Mobile’ssupport reps have got your back!
• Amazing app functionality that enables you to drill down on the stats for all your lines.
• Flexible international service plans that are easy to use.
• A referral program! The words “passive income” are music to everydriver’s ears! You can refer your friends and rideshare passengers toearn a bit of cash for each person who signs up.

One thing we don’t have on the list… the ease of getting started! Let’s talk about how you can get connected with US Mobile.

Make the switch: putting US Mobile to work for you

You’ve probably decided that you’d like to make the switch to USMobile by now, or at least find out what it takes to do so. Here is alist of concerns you might have when switching to a new carrier, and howUS Mobile handles them.

Keeping your number: US Mobile makes it easy to keepyour current phone number. All you’ll need is account information fromyour previous carrier. US Mobile will take you through the process,which is known as “porting.” Some services can take up to 3 businessdays to do this, but US Mobile will use its 24/7 support to do it in amatter of minutes.

Bringing your own device: You can definitely bring your unlocked devices when you switch to US Mobile. Not sure if your device is unlocked? Here’s a handy guideto unlock your phone and get it to work on other carriers. Generally,any phone that’s 4G LTE enabled should work on US Mobile.

Switching while still in contract: If you want toswitch, but your contract with the previous carrier is still in effect,you might have to pay an early termination fee. If your plan has ended,and if your phone is paid off, you’re in the clear. US Mobile doesn’tlock you into a contract, ever. You can sign up month to month, withoutany long-term commitment.

Prepay or postpay: US Mobile is a prepaid service. That means there is no contract, no overage charges, and no credit check.

Coverage:

Before taking the leap to a new service,you’ll need to make sure the new provider will have solid coverage inyour area. With US Mobile, you’ll choose between T-Mobile and Verizon’scoverage areas. You can check if your zip code, device, and currentcarrier will be covered on

the Networks page

.

Trial period: Making the switch to a new phoneservice is a really serious move, so US Mobile offers a 14 day,risk-free trial for new customers. At the end of that period, you cancancel your service and get a refund if you’re not satisfied with USMobile.

Now that you’re equipped with all these facts, and you’re sure you’d like to try US Mobile, get going! Sign up here, and when you activate your line, use the code WISE2022 to get a free month of service on any bundled plan!

Sign up for US Mobile with code WISE2022

Once again, Gridwise proves to be the best mileage trackingapp for Uber/Lyft/DoorDash drivers. It’s packed with features! Frombenefits like the deal with US Mobile, to airport alerts and featuresthat take your driving gig up to the next level, Gridwise is a driver’sbest friend.

Download Gridwise to track miles and earnings for free

Worldwide, Uber drivers completed an incredible 4.98 billion trips in 2020, according to a report by the website BusinessofApps.com. Thanks to the pandemic, those numbers were down from the 6.9 billion trips in 2019. Lyft, which only operates in the U.S. and Canada, did not come close to those heady numbers, but it still ranked in the millions.

That’s incredible. Each day millions of people, transported by hundreds of thousands of drivers, get safely from one location to another. 

The reality is the number of assaults against drivers is very small.  According to a 2019 Uber report, well more than 99.9% of trips are completed without a safety incident. Lyft’s numbers are very similar. 

But if you’re a rideshare driver who has been assaulted, that doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is that you’ve been assaulted, and it does happen. There are things you can do, however, to protect yourself, and in many cases recognize and avoid this danger.

Questions we’re answering about rideshare driver safety

The reality is that drivers get assaulted every day, but there are things you can do to prevent assaults or defend yourself if you are assaulted.

The questions we are answering in this blog post include

• Is it safe to be an Uber or Lyft driver in 2022? 
• What are rideshare drivers experiencing in 2022?
• Should rideshare drivers carry weapons?
• What can rideshare drivers legally do to stay safe? 
• Uber and Lyft: What are they doing for driver safety?
• What do you do if you are assaulted?

An assault—or just a rude passenger?

There is a question we should address at the beginning of this discussion. What is an assault versus who is a passenger you just don’t like? 

The reality is that you’re likely to encounter passengers you don’t particularly like every time you drive. They are rude. They micromanage your choice of routes. They don’t like your music. They lecture you on their view of the world, including whether major league baseball’s designated hitter rule is a good thing.

These are not problem passengers and are not likely to assault you. They are not the passengers you should be taking self-defense measures against. 

THESE are the problem passengers

The reality is that Uber and Lyft driver safety is a problem, although it is not an epidemic. Compared to the number of rides the two services handle each day, the number of assaults is low.

Still, there are incidents of violence against drivers, even recent ones:

• In late April, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that a rideshare driver was shot in the back and left arm, causing him to crash his car into a pole. Paramedics found the 50-year-old driver on the street and rushed him to the hospital, where he was listed in critical but stable condition. 
• In February of this year, the Kansas City Star reported that a female passenger attacked a Lyft driver in St. Louis after she threw his phone out of the car. During the ensuing struggle, she bit off a portion of his ear. The driver got out of the car, and the woman took his place behind the wheel and drove off. Police later found the car involved in a traffic accident. The woman, of course, fled the scene. 
• Fox 5 Atlanta reported that two women with a gun carjacked a five-year veteran of Uber in Norcross, GA, this past November. The driver was uninjured. She still had the ignition key in her pocket and activated the automatic shut-off feature. Police recovered her car not far away when it stopped running. 

The question of whether to carry a weapon

Lyft has a policy of forbidding any type of weapon, including “stun guns, explosives, knives, slingshots, and tasers.” Uber’s safety policy only talks about firearms, not mentioning any of the items that Lyft prohibits: “Uber prohibits riders and their guests, as well as driver and delivery partners, from carrying firearms of any kind while using the app, to the extent permitted by applicable law.” 

Both rideshare services have banned drivers from the app for incidents in which they had a gun while driving. There are legal services specializing in defense of rideshare drivers. They will defend you and work to get you reinstated. Whether the rideshare services can actually prohibit drivers from carrying weapons is a thorny issue. Opponents maintain that the companies are infringing on drivers’ 2nd Amendment rights. There has been at least one driver lawsuit, as reported in a previous blog post on Gridwise. 

However, it is important that if you do choose to carry a weapon, you are trained in how to use it. Firearms are dangerous, and there is always the danger that you could be disarmed and have that gun used against you. 

Drivers can still protect themselves

Still, drivers have ways and techniques to protect themselves while transporting passengers. Some of them are surprisingly simple.

“I have a philosophy,” said one rideshare driver. “For me, it all comes down to attitude and expectations. If you expect the best out of people, you are apt to get the best out of people. If you expect the worst out of people, you will probably get the worst out of people. I tell my passengers this all the time.” 

What that driver is talking about is control of your car. You are sharing your car, as many rideshare drivers do, even if you are renting. Act as if it is your car. Control the environment. Play your music. Talk it up with drivers. Be likable. If the ne’er-do-well is contemplating misbehavior, the fact that you are a nice person might make them think twice. Do you have a family? Put a picture of them on your dashboard, anything to make an attacker reconsider. 

There are also more specific things you can do to ensure your safety in case of an attack.

Be mentally prepared to give up your car

This is a decision you should make beforehand. Your life is more important than your car. In case of an attack, your priority should be to get out of the car and get away. You can get another car. You have only one life. 

Seatbelts

Ask passengers to wear their seatbelts. This is standard safety practice, and it also gives you a heads-up. If you hear the seatbelt unlock in the middle of a ride, something might be up.  

Carry a small metal flashlight

You can get one at one of the big-box hardware stores for less than $15. It should be six to eight inches long so that it protrudes from either end of your closed fist. Keep it within arm’s reach. If someone grabs you from behind or from the side, smash it against their hand or even their face. Your justification for carrying it: you need to read addresses for late-night residential pick-ups. 

Carry a steel-barrelled ball-point pen

This can function similarly to a flashlight. If someone tries to grab you from behind, jam it into their hand or arm. Ladies, you can go one step further and carry a nail file. Either way, you have a justifiable reason for having these items. 

Perfume instead of mace

This one is not just for the ladies, either. Male drivers can maintain that a lady passenger left it. Either way, you have a justifiable reason for carrying it. According to the Fragrances Lover website, perfume has several vision-threatening types of chemicals. Blinding someone is not your goal, though. You just want to make their life miserable enough that you can escape.

In-car cameras

In-car cameras not only protect you from false allegations, but they ward off would-be thieves and bad guys. Discourage someone from simply taking the camera by posting a sign in your car that says the camera uploads the digital footage to the cloud, even if it doesn’t. 

Self-defense techniques

You don’t need a second-degree black belt in martial arts to know some basic defense maneuvers. Here are a few common ones. 

• Recline your seat

If someone grabs you from behind and you can’t break their hold, reach down and recline your seat. This move takes away their angle of advantage. Be aware, though, that this allows them to strike you in the face easier, but you just need enough time to twist out of their grip and run away.

• Know the helmet guard move

As a rideshare driver, most striking attacks come from your right side, the side where there is enough open space to maneuver. Learn the helmet guard. Reach up and grab the back of your head with your right arm and press your elbow tightly against your head and face. This gives you protection from injury while you reach with your other hand to open the door and get out. 

• Focus on vision and breath

An attacker needs two things: they need to see and they need to breathe. Gouge or slash at the eyes with fingers stretched out and apart, temporarily blinding them. A solid punch in the nose will make your eyes water. Professional tip: Punching with a closed fist will get you a broken knuckle if you don’t know what you're doing. Better to use an open palm. It often does more damage, too. 

As for breathing, a punch to the throat leaves most people unable to breathe, allowing you to escape. 

Practice your rideshare driver safety

Don’t wait for an attack to use these techniques. Practice them every day before you start driving. It only takes a few minutes. Drill yourself on reclining your seat and undoing your seatbelt simultaneously. Be able to reach the inside door handle with your eyes closed. These reactions should be spontaneous and instinctive. 

Also, remember that you have the right as a rideshare driver to refuse a ride. If you see the passenger from a distance and they are visibly drunk, agitated, or otherwise suspicious, drive right past and cancel the ride. 

Pay attention to passenger ratings, too. If a passenger has a low rating, there is a reason. You don’t need to find out why. 

Consider carrying a limited amount of cash when you drive. You might also think about not carrying ATM cards or maintaining large balances on your apps such as PayPal, CashApp, and others. Many thieves like to drain the apps while holding you at gunpoint or make you withdraw money from your ATM. 

How have Uber and Lyft handled the issue of assaults against drivers?

As reported by The Verge and many other sources, Uber’s previously mentioned study, released in 2019, documented 3,045 sexual attacks in 2018 (235 of them were rapes, according to Uber. The others were groping, unwanted kissing, etc.). During this time Uber drivers delivered an average of 3.1 million rides per day. 

Lyft issued its report in 2021, also reported by The Verge. Lyft released it a full two years after they promised it would come out. The company reported 1,807 sexual assaults in 2019, but they failed to differentiate between assaults on drivers or passengers and gave no reason why. They also did not disclose how many total rides were considered in the study. 

When it comes to assaults on drivers, both companies have skin in the game. They don’t want to see anything that discourages individuals from signing up to be drivers. Drivers on the app are part of the formula of how Uber and Lyft earn their revenue. 

Assaults of drivers are also widely publicized, too, thanks to in-car videos posted on YouTube and replayed by the broadcast media.

Recent driver safety measures from both Lyft and Uber

To their credit, both rideshare services have enacted safety measures in the last few years. Both apps now have a panic button. TechCrunch reported on Uber’s launch of an audio documentation feature on their app in December 2021. It debuted in three markets: Raleigh, NC, Kansas City, MO, and Louisville, KY. Uber is also monitoring individual rides for unexpected route changes or stops and contacting drivers when they are detected. Both measures are app-based. 

In July 2021, Lyft released its own safety measures in partnership with ADT. Drivers confronted with a situation can contact ADT surreptitiously. If the situation warrants, ADT will alert the police. You can now program the Lyft app to allow a friend or family member to monitor your location. Lyft is also using tracking features similar to Uber, again monitoring unexpected route changes or prolonged stops. 

What should you do if you're attacked during your driving shift?

If you are attacked in your role as a rideshare driver, the first thing you need to do is care for your own safety. Report it to 911. Too many attackers return, confident in the knowledge that they got away with it the first time.  

Remember the recommendation about choosing your life over your car? We mean it. You can replace the car, but you can’t replace your life, and your family will not be able to replicate you, either.

Contact driver support for your respective rideshare service. You can either do this through the app or call their service number. Make sure they know an attack happened. 

Lastly, know that you can also take advantage of a number of legal aid services available to rideshare and other gig drivers. There have been anecdotal reports, more than a few, of rideshare services not giving attacks serious attention. A quick Google search will result in the names of a number of law firms specializing in rideshare driver advocacy. Some of them advertise no up-front fees. 

Don’t forget Gridwise

Gridwise is another partner you can use while driving. In addition to offering free mileage and earning tracking, Gridwise will be launching a partnership with LegalRideshare, the only legal firm that advocates for gig drivers. Soon you'll be able to contact LegalRideshare directly from the Gridwise app to receive legal assistance if you've been attacked or been in an accident. Make sure you've downloaded the free Gridwise app to track your miles and earnings, and get updated when the partnership launches.

Stay safe out there!

“If Lyft and Uber ever realize how much fun I have out here, I’ll have to pay them.”

Those are the sentiments of at least one rideshare driver, and we hear comments like this whenever we talk to drivers.

There are few jobs that can offer you the flexibility of being a rideshare driver. You make your own hours and work when you want, and you can tailor the job to your working style.

Better than that, though, there are few jobs where you have as much fun. Every night you meet new people. If you drive a full eight-hour shift, that could be as many as 20 or 30 new acquaintances. At least once a week a passenger’s destination takes you to someplace you never even knew existed in a community where you’ve lived for decades, maybe even your entire life.

You have no boss leaning over your shoulder. No one is micromanaging your every move. And if you work a strategy and use the tools available to you, including the Gridwise app, you can make a decent living.

Challenges exist for rideshare drivers

Let’s be honest though. This post-pandemic world holds challenges for rideshare drivers. Fuel prices are as high as we’ve ever seen them. Inflation is also ravaging the money you bring in. There are more reports of unruly passengers. It is getting more and more difficult to make money as a rideshare driver. We all know the challenges. We also know some of the solutions.

Questions we’re answering in this blog post

Read on to discover answers to the most commonly asked questions by rideshare drivers, both veterans and those who are just starting. We will answer:

• How much are rideshare drivers making in 2022?
• How much do rideshare drivers make per hour? What about tips? Trip earnings? Median monthly pay?
• Uber vs. Lyft. Which one pays more?
• What should I know about rideshare if I’m new to the job?
• What can experienced rideshare drivers do to earn more?
• How can drivers increase tips?
• What are the best tools rideshare drivers can use on the job?

Uber vs. Lyft: How much are rideshare drivers making in 2022?

Drivers for Uber and Lyft realized comparable earnings in the first quarter of 2022, with Uber mostly in the lead, sometimes by pennies.

Gross earnings per hour

The days surrounding Christmas and New Years are bountiful, with lots of people shopping and many more going to or coming from the airport. By the first week of January, though, everyone is back to work and school and settling back into a routine. Business drops, especially depending on what kind of driver you are. The nightlife business will be down a little, enough to notice a difference. The relative quietness of January resulted in Uber drivers averaging $19.47 per hour and Lyft drivers $19.33 per hour. By February, hourly earnings bumped up noticeably, with Lyft drivers making $22.32 per hour and Uber drivers bringing home $22.10 per hour.

In March, Uber returned drivers averaged a healthy $24.57 per hour. Lyft was not far behind with their drivers averaging $24.27 per hour.

Gross earnings per trip

In January, Uber drivers averaged gross earnings of $12.53 per ride. Lyft drivers followed at $11.79 gross earnings per ride.

In February, Uber driver earnings went up almost 80 cents an hour, to $13.32 gross earnings per trip. Lyft was not far behind, though, at $13.08 an hour.

With March came a big increase for Uber drivers. Gross earnings per trip shot up more than two dollars an hour to $15.42. Lyft driver earnings went up, too, to $14.24 per hour.

Tip earnings

Tips edged up over the course of Q1 2022. Uber drivers averaged $3.83 in tips per trip in January, with Lyft drivers bringing in $3.24 in tips per trip.

By February, Uber drivers brought in an average of $4.00 in tips per trip. Although still behind Uber, Lyft saw a bigger boost, up to $3.59 per hour.

In March, Uber inched up to $4.10 in tips per trip. Once again, Lyft also realized a good increase to $3.80 per hour.

Median monthly earnings

Uber driver monthly pay came out to $348.22 during the first three months of 2022. Lyft's monthly driver pay was not too far behind at $329.24.

By February, Uber drivers increased their median monthly earnings to $463.71. Lyft was also up more than $100.00, to $442.49.

March saw another healthy increase, although not as good as February. Even so, the numbers were robust. Lyft and Uber monthly driver pay was almost the same, with a difference of mere pennies. Lyft drivers brought in a median monthly income of $537.94. Uber drivers were right behind at $537.29.

Biggest factors eating into Uber and Lyft driver pay

Fuel Costs

Astronomical fuel prices, in some regions of the country, are eating into the profits of rideshare drivers. The AAA website reported that by late April the average cost of a gallon of gas was $4.134. Some of the biggest rideshare markets paid even more. Rideshare drivers in New York saw prices as high as $4.242 per gallon. Their colleagues in California paid $5.680 a gallon at the pumps.

In mid-March, Uber announced a surcharge of 45 cents to 55 cents per trip, as reported by numerous media sources and a release from Uber on their website. The rideshare company said they would pass 100% of those surcharges on to the driver. The surcharges should last for at least 60 days, after which they will be re-evaluated.

Lyft followed its competitor, announcing that it would add a 55-cent surcharge to each ride, with all the money also going to the drivers. Lyft also announced that drivers can apply for a Lyft Direct debit card that will save drivers another 4% to 5% on fuel purchases through June 30, 2022.

Many drivers are also turning to Gridwise to help them offset fuel prices. Gridwise Gas is a great way to save a chunk of your earnings that are now going to fuel. The sign-up is free and you get immediate access to discounts at the more than 95% of service stations accepting the Gridwise Gas Card.

Maintenance

Keeping your car running and in top working order is important for rideshare drivers. No one wants a car breakdown on the road, and there is nothing worse than having a breakdown with a passenger in the car.

When it comes to paying for oil changes, you will pay top dollar for maintenance at dealerships, as opposed to independent service shops. Another trick is to ask about tire rotation the next time you purchase new tires. With most tire stores it is part of the package, and it is free.

Gridwise is also helping drivers with maintenance costs. Gridwise + CarAdvise offers drivers an opportunity to check out different auto shops, talk with experts, compare prices, and even schedule their car’s service appointment online. Drivers report huge discounts, as much as 40%, on maintenance and repair services.

Cell Service

Cell service is a chunk of the monthly expense of being a rideshare driver, but there is good news. According to CNN Business, cell phone charges are not expected to rise appreciably in the near future. The three big carriers, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, are in intense competition, and price cuts are their main weapon.

You can use this competition between the cell carriers as a bargaining chip to reduce the amount you pay. The prospect of losing you to the competition is enough to get most carriers to grant concessions or outright lower your bill. If you are 55 or older, also ask about senior citizen discounts. Call up your cell carrier’s customer service department and ask them to review your plan and see if there are any discounts available. One driver with a family plan called his carrier, one of the big three, and by the time he got off the phone, he saved $95 a month. During the sign-up process, or when you purchase a new phone, cell carrier sales representatives will convince you to add services that sound like a good idea at the time. The reality is you never use them.

Also, look at this Gridwise article that outlines the best cell phone plans for rideshare and delivery drivers.

What new rideshare drivers need to know

Work a strategy

The most successful rideshare drivers know that you can’t rely on pure happenstance to get rides. You need a strategy. Some drivers find their niche in special events—concerts, sporting events, large conventions. Others work the airports. Still again, others find lots of business with the weekend crowds. New drivers should experiment and find which strategy works for them.

Navigation

If you frequent a particular area regularly, keep in mind local traffic conditions. Construction is not always reflected in navigation apps. Take note of roadwork and how to get around it. Experiment with Google Maps and Waze. Most drivers find they prefer one over the other.

Update Your Apps

Apps change regularly. If you don’t update your Uber or Lyft app, it will eventually stop working, or work so inefficiently that you receive few rides. Updating twice a week keeps your app fresh. Restart your phone regularly to clear old data and free memory, and keep the operating system updated. Also, don’t forget the free mileage tracking app on Gridwise.

Working both apps simultaneously

This is a tactic that should be saved for experienced drivers, but you will hear about it. Some call them Lubers, drivers who work both apps at the same time. When you get a ride from one of them, you turn the other off. Check out this blog post on multi-app strategies for rideshare drivers.

How can experienced rideshare drivers make more money?

The Gridwise app is a must-have tool for rideshare drivers. It allows you to check earning trends data from When to Drive and Where to Drive to find the most profitable times of day and the most lucrative neighborhoods.

The app is also a trusted reference source. Use it to monitor your personal earning trends or to see whether Uber or Lyft pays more over a period of time.

The Gridwise app also monitors special events such as concerts or professional sporting events, and even airports, so that you’ll know when passenger demand is about to surge. You can make a lot of money if you are in the right spot when a concert concludes, or the airport is about to hit a surge of incoming or departing flights.

One driver summed it up: “Since I downloaded this, my dollars per mile has improved from barely $0.88/mile to over $1.50/mile consistently, which has allowed me to work fewer hours, put less wear and tear on my vehicle, and reduce the mental strain that comes with driving an excessive amount of miles just to pull in some decent money. This app even helps me anticipate airport traffic to see if it is worth it to sit in the lot after doing an airport drop-off.”

Download Gridwise now to know when and where driver demand is

How to increase rideshare tips from customers

Getting more tips is an ongoing discussion among rideshare drivers. Recent stories have surfaced about some innovative ways drivers are impressing passengers and earning extra rewards.

Seeing that female passengers are safe

“I’m a father and I have daughters,” said one driver. “I started watching single female passengers walk to the door and get in safely when I dropped them off at their home at night. I wanted to make sure they got inside okay. But it became apparent that some women were uneasy with me watching them. So I started telling them that I would watch them get in the door and make sure they were safe. The unexpected result: 75% of them leave me a tip in the app. They really appreciate it.”

Giving passengers a little more in shared or pool rides

A blog called The Verge recently reported that as the pandemic eases, riders are also seeing a return of pool riders (if you are an Uber driver), or shared rides (which is what Lyft calls them).

As least one Lyft driver was excited about the return: “Lots of drivers whine about shared rides. Not me. It’s a great way to get extra rides and earn those sprint bonuses. But the thing that always troubled me was that I noticed that as soon as the second passenger got in the car, all conversation stopped. There is something about the dynamics of a shared ride that makes people not want to talk. So I took some initiative. The next time I got a shared drive, we played an icebreaker called ‘Two Truths and a Lie.’ Everyone in the car takes a turn telling three things about ourselves. Two of those things are true. One of them is a lie. Everyone else gets to guess which is the lie. People must really like it because I noticed a definite increase in the tips I received from shared rides. Who knew?”

Other tools and ways rideshare drivers are saving money

Online Resources

The shrewdest rideshare drivers are always searching for every way to save a buck. They know that the Gridwise app is a great place to realize extra savings on things you might not otherwise think about, including things such as lost income protection, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, buying a new car, or renting one.

There are other blogs, podcasts, and YouTube videos specifically for food delivery drivers that offer tips on maximizing earnings. Gridwise also offers a free mileage tracking app. It is the best one around.

Buying a new car

Check into the Gridwise Auto-Buying Program, run in conjunction with TrueCar. You research the vehicle you want and compare prices. The savings are substantial. You can get as much as $3,500 off the MSRP. You can also get good deals on used vehicles.

Renting a car

Both Uber and Lyft make rental cars available to their drivers, but the rates are steep, more than $300 a week. For it to make financial sense, you need to be a full-time driver. The advantages of renting a car are three-fold:

• Mileage—Serious rideshare drivers put as much as 60,000 or 70,000 miles a year on their car. Those kinds of miles can devastate resale value.

• Wear and Tear—That kind of mileage also means lots of wear and tear on your car. The cost of repairs adds up quickly. When the car is rented, not your problem.

• Maintenance—The rental companies pick up the maintenance of the cars, including tires and brakes. Those are big savings.

Taxes

Gig driving jobs are contract positions. Uber and Lyft do not deduct taxes from your earnings. You must make quarterly payments, so at the end of the year you don’t owe a huge chunk of money. You can save on taxes by tracking mileage and expenses. Gridwise offers the best mileage tracking app for rideshare drivers by tracking every single mile for FREE, which allows you to maximize your tax deduction.

Download the free Gridwise app now

You can save more money on taxes by keeping meticulous records of mileage, maintenance, and insurance expenses. Check out these blog posts on Gridwise to maximize deductions and understand standard vs. actual cost deduction. As a rideshare driver you are self-employed. You can deduct many of the items you might use in your business.

There is money to be made as a rideshare driver

For people who need to augment their income, rideshare is a great job, and you can have fun while you do it. Most passengers genuinely appreciate the ride. But the climate is getting tougher out there. High fuel prices, inflation, and COVID have all affected business. Smart rideshare drivers use all the tools available to them. Watch the industry blogs, podcasts, and YouTube channels. And by all means, use the Gridwide app and regularly visit these pages.

And have fun out there.

Things have been tougher, but it’s hard to remember when that was. For food delivery drivers, things are about as tough as they can get.

There is the off-and-on pandemic. Between the fear of getting sick yourself or encountering a delivery customer who has arrived at their COVID threshold of they-just-can’t-take-it-anymore, you remain in a constant state of concern.

Inflation continues ravaging the economy, putting the pinch on diners and giving them second thoughts about ordering food for delivery. Added to that, the skyrocketing price of fuel digs into your profits.

With this blog post, we’ll look at some of the trends and answer some questions:

• How much do food delivery drivers make in 2022?
• What is the hourly pay for food delivery drivers? Tip pay? Trip pay? Monthly pay?
• How can you make more driving for DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub?
• What should I know about food delivery if I’m new to the job?
• What can experienced food delivery drivers do to earn more?
• What are the best tools food delivery drivers can use on the job?

How much did food delivery drivers make in Q1?

How much do food delivery drivers make? Here is a brief rundown according to Gridwise numbers for the first quarter of 2022. Although we’ve included how much food delivery drivers make per order, gross earnings per hour is how we determined who came out on top.

January—January saw Grubhub vs. DoorDash compete for the top spot. Grubhub led for the month with gross earning per trip of $10.49 and gross earnings per hour of $16.13. DoorDash lagged not far behind, at $7.83 and $15.61, respectively. Uber Eats came in third for January with $9.30 and $15.34.

February—Gross earnings per trip increased modestly for Uber Eats to $9.40, but gross earnings per hour jumped to $15.68, enough to take the lead. DoorDash came in second with $7.89 in gross earnings per trip but $15.49 in gross earnings per hour. Grubhub dropped slightly to $10.16 per trip, but gross earnings per hour fell more than a dollar, to $14.98.

March—By March it was DoorDash vs. Uber Eats. Uber Eats continued its climb to $16.50 an hour, the highest number of the three months, but earnings per trip inched up to only $9.42. DoorDash remained in second place with $7.98 gross earnings per trip and $16.07 for gross earnings per hour. Grubhub gross earnings per trip inched up to $10.18. Gross earnings per hour came back by almost a dollar, to $15.85.

Grubhub and Uber Eats drivers led in tips

How much did food delivery drivers make in tips? Grubhub and Uber Eats ranked almost even in tips per order, with DoorDash substantially down.

January—Grubhub tips averaged $5.00. Uber Eats followed at $4.89. DoorDash drivers came up short at $4.13.

February—Uber Eats and Grubhub flip-flopped this month, but remained close. Uber Eats rose to $4.91, and Grubhub dropped to $4.89. DoorDash held at $4.13.

March—Uber Eats dropped a penny to an average tip of $4.90, but that was enough to edge out Grubhub, which dropped two more pennies to $4.87. DoorDash continued hanging out at the low end with tips averaging $4.10.

DoorDash shined in monthly driver earnings

DoorDash drivers really made out in median monthly earning, and by the end of the quarter, Gridwise recorded sizable gains for them.

January—DoorDash drivers came in first with median gross earnings a month at $220.16. Grubhub recorded $131.26. UberEats trailed at $128.89.

February—DoorDash rose modestly to $224.26. Uber Eats came in second at $130.12. Grubhub dropped to the bottom at $121.37.

March—DoorDash had a big bump this month, coming in more than $20 higher at $244.86. Grubhub got back up to second place at $126.97, with Uber Eats dropping to $114.81.

One explanation for DoorDash’s strong March performance might have been the firm’s announcement on March 15 that drivers were eligible for 10% cashback on gas purchases through a prepaid Visa debit card, as reported by CNBC and on the DoorDash website. The other services also announced measures to offset rising fuel costs, but DoorDash inexplicably got more traction.

Other costs eating into delivery driver earnings

Fuel Costs—As we enter Q2, skyrocketing fuel prices lead the way in eating into the profits of food delivery drivers. According to AAA, by late April the average cost of a gallon of gas was $4.134. Californians paid $5.680, while New Yorkers shelled out $4.242 per gallon.

The same week that DoorDash announced their cashback Visa card offer, Restaurant Business reported that Uber Eats announced a surcharge of 35 to 45 cents per delivery order, depending on location. Grubhub drivers started getting paid more per mile on March 9.

Maintenance–Keeping your car running and in top working order is important for food delivery drivers. When it comes to paying for oil changes, you will pay top dollar for maintenance at dealerships as opposed to independent shops. When you buy new tires, ask for free rotation. It is often a standard service, and again, it is free.

Cell Service—One bright horizon is the cost of cell service. According to CNN Business, this is attributed to intense competition between the big three carriers, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. True, cell phone services remain a major expense for food delivery drivers, but it does not appear as if costs will worsen.

You can use this competition between the cell carriers as leverage to lower your bill. Carriers would rather grant concessions than risk losing you to the competition. One driver with a family plan recently called his carrier, one of the big three, and by the time he got off the phone, he saved $95 a month. Often you agree to services that sound like a good idea at the time, but you never use them. A quick phone call can get those services off your plan and save money.

Also, learn about the best phone plans for rideshare and delivery drivers.

Other ways to retain more of your driver pay

Online Resources—Smart drivers look for every way they can save money. Look for discounts for DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub drivers. You can realize substantial savings through the Gridwise app, including lost income protection, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, buying a new car, or renting one. There are other blogs, podcasts, and YouTube videos specifically for food delivery drivers that offer tips on maximizing earnings.

Complimentary Coffee—Certain fast-food restaurants provide a cup of coffee at no charge to food delivery and rideshare drivers. How do you find out which ones? The best way is to keep your app visible on your phone and in your hand when you stop for a cup so that you are easily identified as a food delivery driver. This is not a policy in any restaurant chains as far as we know. Mostly it is individual managers who see the value of food delivery drivers to their evolving business model.

Taxes—Gig driving jobs are contract positions, meaning that the company does not deduct taxes from your earnings. You are on your own to make those quarterly payments so at the end of the year you don’t owe a chunk of money that will be difficult to produce. Getting into debt with the IRS or the state tax agencies is not fun. Use Gridwise for your food delivery mileage tracker. It is the best app available.

You can save more money on taxes by keeping meticulous records of mileage, maintenance, and insurance expenses. Check out these blog posts on Gridwise to maximize deductions and understand standard vs. actual cost deduction. You can deduct many of the items you might use in your business. Those thermal bags you use to keep food warm or cold—yeah, those are tax-deductible.

What should new food delivery drivers know about the job?

There are several important tips you should keep in mind as new food delivery drivers.

Navigation—If you frequent a particular area regularly, keep in mind local traffic conditions. Construction is not always reflected on navigation apps. Take note of construction areas and how to get around them.

Also, take note of the location of schools and when students are arriving or leaving. You don’t want to get caught in school-related traffic.

Check Your Orders—How often have you gone to a restaurant and not received what you ordered? It happens all the time with food delivery drivers, too. Always double-check your orders to ensure they are correct and that everything is there.

Pro-tip: Communication—Staying in touch with the customer is vital. Even when things have gone wrong, emphasize what you did for them: finding a problem with the order, avoiding a traffic jam, anything else. People indeed tend to remember the last thing you did for them. A customer remembering that you went above and beyond to get their order to them is a good thing.

Update Your Apps: Apps change regularly. Updating twice a week keeps your app fresh. Restart your phone regularly to clear old data and free memory, and keep the operating system updated. Also, don’t forget the free mileage tracking app on Gridwise.

Develop a Strategy: Successful delivery driving is not hit and miss. Ensure more business by monitoring key hours and places to drive on the Gridwise app. You can learn many of these things on your own, but also take time to learn from others. This driver strategy optimization post on Gridwise is a good start. The key is to learn from everything you do as a delivery driver and incorporate it into your strategy.

How can experienced food delivery drivers make more?

Things are always changing. Resist falling into the trap of thinking you know everything about delivery driving.

Stay Abreast of Things—Follow the Gridwise’s app Where to Drive and When to Drive as well as industry blogs. These things change all the time. You don’t want to miss opportunities.

Watch News Events—Always look at local news and events and ask yourself, how will this affect the food delivery business? In 1994 football star O.J. Simpson, suspected of the murder of his wife and another person, led police on an hour’s-long police pursuit, televised from start to finish. It happened at dinner time on the West Coast and drew more than 95 million viewers nationwide. Domino’s Pizza reported record sales that night.

Events such as the Academy Awards and the Super Bowl always generate more orders, but also look for smaller events, even local ones.

Multi-Apping–Some drivers will operate multiple food delivery apps. Multi-apping is a technique reserved for more experienced food delivery drivers, which can help you capture a great deal more business. This Gridwise blog post from less than a year ago discusses multi-apping in detail.

There is money to be made

For people who need to augment their income, food delivery is a great job, and you can have fun while you do it. But like many jobs, there are simple things you can do to make it more profitable. Watch the industry blogs, podcasts, and YouTube channels. And by all means, use the Gridwide app and regularly visit these pages.

And have fun out there.

Big changes in the mask policy at Uber and Lyft have drivers and passengers equally excited, if for very different reasons. Many feel that it’s about time they stop having to mask up for hours while doing a driving gig. Others fear that passengers without masks could threaten their health and put them out of work until they can recover from the virus.

In this blog post, we’ll update you on the status of mask mandates for rideshare drivers, and how they’ll affect the way drivers do their jobs. Here’s what we’ll “cover,” if you’ll pardon the pun:

• What exactly is the mask policy for drivers and passengers?
• Will the “masks optional” policy cause driver vs. passenger conflicts?
• Is driving for Uber or Lyft worth it?

What exactly is the rideshare mask policy for drivers and passengers?

Driving for Uber or Lyft under the fearful specter of COVID-19 has presented huge challenges. Drivers have had to take extra precautions, and so have passengers. Following the recommendations of the federal government, the TNCs (Transportation Network Companies) placed mask mandates on drivers and passengers. Both had to let the app snap photos of them wearing masks before they would be able to fully unlock the screen and go about their business. 

This policy has been in effect since 2020, at the height of the pandemic. Often, drivers have been put in the position of enforcing the mask policy and were given the option, if not the authority, to refuse rides if customers didn’t comply. Similarly, drivers who worked maskless could be reported, and potentially deactivated, for not following the masking policy.

The masking mandates Uber and Lyft placed on the people who provided and used their services represented the companies’ efforts to make both drivers and passengers feel safe and comfortable. There was no federal mandate until January 29, 2021, when the CDC required anyone using public transportation to wear a mask.

Before and after the mandate, masks were routinely worn on buses, subways, airplanes, and ferries, as well as taxicabs and rideshare vehicles. This was “the new normal,” until recently. On April 18, 2022, the federal mandate was struck down by a court order. Upon the signing of this federal court order, the CDC removed the mandates for masks on public transportation nationwide. Now the TNCs have followed suit and stopped requiring drivers and passengers to wear masks. They’re also dropping the “no passengers in the front seat” policy at the same time.

You might think this means that no one wears masks in rideshare cars anymore, but that isn’t entirely true. According to the new Uber mask policy, masks are no longer required. However, Uber points out that the CDC recommends wearing a mask if people have certain personal risk factors, or there is a high rate of cases in a given area.

Furthermore, the ruling is under appeal by the US Department of Justice. The legal argument against the mandate is that the CDC does not have the statutory power to impose such a requirement on the public. A higher court might disagree.

That means that it’s possible the mask mandate might be back, if the government wins its appeal. In the meantime, everyone in rideshare vehicles are left to work it out for themselves.

Uber asks drivers and passengers to be respectful of one another’s preferences. What does this mean? If a driver prefers passengers wear masks, and one of them refuses, the driver can cancel the trip. The cancellation fee will be paid in full. The same goes for passengers. They can cancel if they want the driver to wear a mask and the driver refuses.

Lyft uses similar language in its announcement about lifting the mask mandate. The company adds that riders and drivers can cancel any ride they don’t feel safe taking or giving, but “not wearing a mask” will no longer be an available option in the app as a reason for the cancellation.

According to Uber and Lyft, everyone is supposed to consider one another’s needs and follow “community guidelines.” While this all sounds simple, it might not always work out that way, especially for drivers.

Will Uber and Lyft's “masks optional” policy cause driver vs. passenger conflicts?

Anyone who’s driven for Uber or Lyft since the spring of 2020, or taken a ride for that matter, can tell you the answer to that. It’s an unequivocal yes. Throughout the many months of the pandemic, the onus of enforcing the mask policies in both directions was placed on drivers and passengers. 

To put it quite mildly, there was a lot of strain, and even some abuse. Knowing it was possible to get a cancellation fee, passengers would report drivers for not wearing masks, whether or not it was true. Conversely, drivers would cancel rides they might not have wanted to take, and say they did it because the customer wasn’t wearing a mask. That’s equally wrong. What’s more, it probably will continue to happen. 

With the recent change in masking policy, coming to mutual agreement with customers isn’t going to be any easier. In fact, the issue could become even more contentious, now that masking is a matter of personal preference. There isn’t an obvious way around this issue, so drivers are going to have to continue to be patient, and very careful.

If you as a driver want to wear a mask, and your passenger doesn’t, you might spend more time arguing over your differences than you would completing the ride. If the passenger insists that you wear a mask, you could put one on, or you could resist and respectfully remind the passenger that masks are optional. While it seems reasonable to argue for your right to act on your own preferences, doing so is likely to open up a can of worms you may not want to deal with.

With the possibility of arguments erupting and no one else in the car to settle them, the games passengers (and drivers) play with the cancellation fees could potentially get worse. It’s worth remembering, though, that while you can get a few dollars’ worth of cancellation fee for refusing a ride, when passengers retaliate, they can exercise certain powers that come with a very high price. If they file a complaint and say things about you that make your company believe you committed a major violation, you could be deactivated. 

Nobody wants that. Even if you successfully appeal your case and get reinstated, you could be out of work for a few days, a week, or maybe longer. Read more about deactivation, how to avoid it, and how to protect yourself from the negative impacts of losing your gig in this Gridwise blog post.

Now that the masks are off, some people will be relieved, while others will feel unsafe. How might this affect Lyft and Uber driver pay? If more people decide to ride because they can do so without masks, this could be a good thing for rideshare business. However, if the driver doesn’t feel safe, it can make working a rideshare gig downright difficult. Passengers who don’t feel safe with unmasked drivers would probably avoid rideshare trips.

There are many drivers and passengers who suffer from immune deficiencies or live with high-risk household members. To them, taking a chance by sharing the close quarters of a car with an unmasked companion isn’t an option. It’s easy to see that taking or canceling rides is a dilemma that each driver must solve based on individual needs.

It’s hard to say at this point whether more or fewer people will be driving and riding for Uber and Lyft. The new policy regarding masks is certainly something we will continue to monitor.

By lifting the mask mandate, the companies are avoiding the possible court cases that might come up if they try to enforce a mandate that’s essentially been ruled unconstitutional. It has to be assumed that they’d rather risk incoming flak from people who might get sick as a result of using their services or working with them. Then, of course, the mask order could be reinstated if the appeal is successful.

With or without the mask mandate, the possibility of driver–passenger conflict over masking is real. Discussions about it can get you into the very nastiest kind of socio-political mud puddle. You might start to ask some serious questions about driving for Uber and Lyft under these circumstances.

Is driving for Uber or Lyft worth it?

Just as you would with any job, you have to weigh things such as Lyft or Uber driver requirements against the money you’re likely to make. Check out these Gridwise posts that detail Uber and Lyft earnings for the first quarter of 2022. They’ll tell you that the earnings are pretty solid, and on the upswing.

Still, there are personal considerations that factor into your decision. If you don’t want to wear a mask, and you don’t want to have to put one on to make your passengers happy, you might not want to deal with driving right now.

If you don’t mind wearing masks, or simply feel safer wearing one, the new masking policy may not bother you at all. You’ll be able to benefit from your rideshare gig without making many changes.

Whether you drive with or without a mask, do make sure you make the most money possible, with the very best free mileage tracker app for Uber/Lyft! 

Gridwise keeps a record of each mile you drive for every platform you use. That’s not all. Gridwise also tracks your earnings and lets you account for all expenses, so you can get a full view of your business and its success. 

On top of all that, Gridwise gives you

• airport traffic information
• event locations and timing
• weather and traffic alerts
• real time data on Where to Drive and When to Drive
• deals, discounts, and benefits for drivers that help you make more money!

Download the free app now!

As the weather heats up, rideshare earnings are also on the rise. Wondering if this is the year to start driving for Lyft? Or if you’re earning what you should be? 

We took a look at the data for the year so far to give you real insights into what drivers are making right now in 2022. And we’re not just guessing; we tapped into our Gridwise network of 250,000+ active drivers to give you the insights necessary to make the most from your time on the road. 

See how your earnings compare, how to maximize your rideshare earnings, and who’s leading the Uber vs. Lyft battle. 

Let’s cut to it. 

How much are Lyft drivers making in 2022? 

According to our data from 250,000+ real drivers on the road in 2022, Lyft drivers earned an average of $21.97 per hour from January to March of this year.

Hourly driver wages increased steadily to start the year from $19.33 in January to $24.27 by March. This is a promising trend for drivers who want to pick up more rideshare gigs throughout the summer. 

Breaking it down further, Lyft drivers earned an average of $13.04 per trip and pulled in an average of $3 to $4 in tips. 

Putting it all together, Lyft drivers earned an impressive $537.94 in gross earnings for March 2022. This number was up from $329.24 in January and made Lyft drivers the highest earning gig drivers across all major platforms for March 2022. 

Have the rising gas prices impacted Lyft driver pay?

According to AAA, the national average price for regular gas has risen from $2.863/gal a year ago to $4.073/gal by mid-April of this year. 

To help drivers stay on the road, Lyft introduced a $0.55 fuel surcharge in March that goes directly to drivers. Lyft stated that drivers should expect this surcharge to remain in place until at least mid-May when they will reevaluate the situation. 

Note: Lyft is not offering a fuel surcharge for drivers based in New York City. 

If you’re looking for additional ways to offset higher fuel costs, consider the Gridwise Gas program and get instant cash back on gas from GasBuddy—and find the lowest price on gas in your area with ease. 

What opportunities are there for Lyft drivers to increase their pay in 2022? 

For 2022, Lyft drivers have a few opportunities to maximize their earnings including bonuses and referrals. 

Bonuses aren’t new to Lyft, but it’s helpful to know the latest on how to capitalize on them.

Lyft offers both real-time and scheduled bonuses to get more drivers on the road during high-demand hours. “Bonus Zones” appear in real time in the app, and you earn the bonus for accepting rides within the zone. 

Pro tip: Don’t want to scramble all over town to find bonus zones already crowded with drivers? Use the Gridwise app to find out where and when demand is typically highest in your area to get ahead of the competition. 

Lyft also offers bonuses for ride streaks and for completing “Ride Challenges” which reward drivers for completing a set amount of rides in a given time frame. 

What are the biggest expenses for rideshare drivers?

Unfortunately, the number in your app at the end of the week isn’t quite as much you’ll take home. As a contractor, you’re responsible for covering all expenses associated with your business. 

And if you’re not tracking those expenses, you’re probably losing more of your earnings than you need to. Here’s a list of common expenses to pay attention to: 

• Vehicle depreciation
• Fuel costs
• Maintenance and repairs

Other expenses

• Phone bill
• Self-employment tax and compliance expenses
• Medical expenses

As a driver, your vehicle is essential to your business—and it’s also your greatest expense. 

According to a yearly analysis from AAA (American Automobile Association), the average annual cost of owning a new car was $9,666 in 2021. 

Most of that cost is hidden in depreciation, accounting for nearly 40% of total ownership expenses. Maintenance costs are a close second, with our data showing that rideshare drivers spend an average of $163 a month on maintenance costs. 

Gridwise drivers get access to exclusive driver benefits like CarAdvise.

Just because you’re self-employed doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the benefits of group rewards. CarAdvise helps drivers access discounts, compare prices, get online expert , and easily schedule online— plus Gridwise users receive 10-40% off retail prices.

The great debate: Uber vs. Lyft [2022]

Almost every driver has probably asked the question, should I drive for Uber or Lyft? 

While the answer varies based on your location and the goals of your rideshare business, here’s the real data on earnings this year. 

Lyft drivers earned slightly less than Uber drivers per trip and hour from January to March of 2022, except for February when Lyft drivers earned an extra $0.20 per hour on average. 

However, Lyft drivers earned more overall by March of 2022, with both rideshare services seeing a significant increase in median earnings as the year has progressed.

As always, it’s a close battle. Who do you drive for and why? We’d love to hear about your experience. Share it with our collaborative driver network on Facebook!