Uber vs Lyft: Which ride service comes out on top?

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Uber versus Lyft: which ride service comes out on top?

Save money getting better rides at a discount from Uber or Lyft.

Smartphones replaced the need for house phones, GPS navigation replaced the use of traditional maps, digital cameras replaced classic film cameras, and Uber and Lyft have almost completely outgrown the taxi business. That's thanks to the ease of use and reach these applications have attained. Due to their user-friendly design, competitive pricing, and safety features (not usually found in taxis), these two apps have amassed a large consumer base. They are deemed reputable and trustworthy when needing a ride, whether at home or away on vacation.

The idea and eventual process of doing something new can be daunting, frightening or anxiety-inducing, but at the end of it, you come out with new superpowers. Your new superpower today will be using Uber or Lyft and saving some cash.

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What is Uber?

Uber is a top ride-sharing platform on the Google Play Store and App Store. (Kurt Knutsson)

Uber is one of the top-rated ride-sharing platforms on the Google Play Store and app store, likely from its large and loyal customer base and its availability in over 900 metropolitan areas worldwide.

iPhone: 4.8 stars (at time of publishing)

Android: 4.7 stars (at time of publishing)

These apps let ordinary people who seek to earn extra cash become drivers during their spare time. (Kurt Knutsson)

While taxis and Ubers differ in many ways, a critical distinguishing component is Uber utilizes ordinary people, like your postman, waiter, or even your child's teacher, who seek to earn extra cash by becoming drivers during their spare time. This does not mean that Uber hires just anyone; they conduct thorough background checks and quality inspections on vehicles to ensure applicants align with safety and customer service standards.

Although taxis have worked fine over the years, Uber tends to be better priced with an upfront rate rather than a price based on a meter. They have personalized selections to fit your needs better; they provide reliable estimates on their arrival time, and it's all available with a few swipes on your Android or iPhone. The platform allows riders to request rides, track their driver's progress, and pay/tip for the ride through the app.

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How to hail an Uber

Step 1: Download the Uber app. Don't be intimidated. This part is super easy. Go to the app store on your iPhone or Google Play Store on your Android device, search for "Uber," and download the app.

Step 2: Sign up. The first step is the hardest, now just follow the prompts. To sign up for an Uber account, enter your phone number first, your name, email address, and payment information. Don’t worry your info is safe. If you already have an account, log in with your email address and password.

Step 3: Set your pick-up location. You can manually enter your pickup location by selecting the top bar or by allowing the app to use your current site. You can also add a destination if you have one.

Here's how to hail a ride on Uber. (Kurt Knutsson)

Step 4: Choose your ride. Now time for some fun. You will be given various ride options, such as UberX, Uber Pool, UberXL. Select the one that fits your needs.

These are the Uber options that may be available to you. (Kurt Knutsson)

Step 5: Confirm your ride. Once you've chosen, confirm the details and select "Request."

Step 6: Wait for your driver. Don’t wander off or dilly-dally. The app will show your driver's estimated arrival time. Wait at the designated pickup location for your driver to arrive.

Step 7: Once your driver arrives, get in the car and enjoy your ride. The app will show you the route to your destination and the estimated arrival time.

Step 8: Pay and rate your driver: Once you arrive at your destination, the app will confirm your total and give you the opportunity to tip via the app. You can also rate your driver if you have any feedback. The fare will be charged to the payment method you provided during sign-up.

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Now that you're signed up, a few selections are at your disposal if you need additional services during your ride. From wheelchair accessibility to a larger vehicle to riding in luxury, Uber provides several options to cater to your budget or needs. Although, in my personal experience, the standard option tends to be everything you'll ever need at a reasonable rate.

Which Uber vehicle option is best for you?

1. UberX: This is the standard ride option and the most popular choice for most Uber riders. It is a private ride in a four-door car that can accommodate up to four passengers. Standard pricing, however, tends to be cheaper than a taxi.
2. UberXL: This option is for larger groups of up to six passengers or if you have a ton of luggage. It’s also a private ride just in a larger vehicle, such as an SUV or minivan. Due to the extra space, however, this selection will likely cost more than a typical UberX.
3. UberBLACK: Feeling fancy? This is Uber's premium ride option. It is a luxury ride in a high-end vehicle, such as a black sedan or SUV. As you can imagine, this option is more expensive than UberX and UberXL.
4. UberSELECT: This is another premium ride option that is less expensive than UberBLACK but more expensive than UberX. It is a luxury ride in a high-end vehicle like a BMW or Mercedes-Benz.
5. UberX Shared: This ride option is a shared ride with other Uber riders who are going in the same direction. You are basically "carpooling" with up to three additional passengers who will be picked up and dropped off along the way. This option is less expensive than the other ride options, but it may take longer to reach your destination due to the shared ride.
6. UberWAV: This ride option is for passengers who require a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. It is always priced at the same rate as an UberX.
7. UberASSIST: This ride option is for passengers who require extra assistance, such as help getting in and out of the car. It is always priced at the same rate as an UberX.

Beyond all of that, there are even a few more options, such as Uber Español (provides the rider with a Spanish-speaking driver), Uber Pet (this option allows the rider to bring along their furry friend), and Uber electric. 

With so many choices, one might begin to feel overwhelmed. In that case, I’d stick to the classic UberX, and it'll likely get the job done without the stress of waiting on a taxi. Thankfully, however, Uber is not a monopoly, so if prices or services aren't satisfactory, you can always take your business to its arch-enemy, Lyft.

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What is Lyft?

Lyft is another very popular ride-sharing app. (Kurt Knutsson)

Lyft is arguably the second most popular ride-sharing app on the Google Play Store and app store.

iPhone: 4.9 stars (at time of publishing)

Android: 4.0 stars (at time of publishing)

You'll see Lyft's interface looks different from Uber's in some ways. (Kurt Knutsson)

While Uber's design is a bit more buttoned-up and sleek, Lyft's is much more colorful and bubbly. From hot pink and goofy mustaches (it was a marketing stunt), Lyft sought to set itself apart from Uber; however, the similarities remained distinct, except that while Uber is available worldwide, Lyft is available in over 600 cities in the United States and Canada.

Like Uber, however, Lyft offers upfront pricing, reliable arrival time estimates, and safety features to ensure a better ride. Everything from requesting the ride, tracking the journey, and paying/ tipping the driver is done through the app and mirrors the simplicity of Uber.

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How to hail a Lyft?

Step 1: Download the Lyft app. Installing the app is simple. Go to the app store on your iPhone or Google Play store on your Android device, search "Lyft," or the really bright pink app, and download.

Step 2: Fire up the app. Open Lyft, then follow the prompts. To sign up, enter your name, phone number, email address, and payment information (credit cards are recommended over debit cards). The app will only charge you if you request a ride. If you already have an account, log in with your email address and password.

Step 3: Set pickup location and destination. Select the large search bar at the bottom of your screen. Once selected, the top bar is your pickup location, which you can manually adjust by clicking it and typing in a specific address, while the bottom option is reserved for your destination, which must be entered.

This is how to order a ride on Lyft. (Kurt Knutsson)

Step 4: Choose your ride. If you’re riding solo, or with a large group, this is the time to make the driver aware of your needs. You will be given various ride options, such as Lyft, Lyft XL, Lyft shared. Select the one that fits your requirements best.

Here are the ride options that may be available to you on Lyft. (Kurt Knutsson)

Step 5: Confirm your ride. Once you've chosen, confirm the details and select "Request."

Step 6: Wait for your driver. The app will show your driver's estimated arrival time. Wait at the designated pickup location for your driver to arrive.

Step 7: Enjoy your ride. Once your driver arrives, get in the car and enjoy your ride. The app will show you the route to your destination and the estimated arrival time.

Step 8: Pay and rate your driver. Once you arrive at your destination, the app will confirm the total for your ride and then will follow up with an option to tip your driver. You can then rate your driver and provide feedback. The fare will be charged to the payment method you provided during sign-up.

Like Uber, Lyft offers an array of ride choices to fit your personal needs. (Like Uber, however, we have only needed a standard Lyft or, at most, a Lyft XL for when accompanying a large group.)

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Which Lyft ride option is best for you?

1. Lyft: This is the classic ride option and the most popular choice for most riders. It is a private ride in a four-door car that can accommodate up to four passengers. Standard pricing, however, tends to be cheaper than a taxi.
2. Lyft XL: Riding with a large group or carrying tons of luggage? This may be the best choice for you. This selection is a private ride in a larger vehicle, such as an SUV or minivan, and can accommodate up to six passengers. Due to the extra space, however, this option will likely cost more than a typical Lyft.
3. Lyft Lux: If you have extra cash to spend, this is your moment. This is Lyft's premium ride option. It is a luxury ride in a high-end vehicle, such as a Mercedes-Benz or BMW. This option is more expensive than the standard Lyft ride.
4. Lyft Lux Black: Looking to ride in style with VIP status? This option is costly but very fun. Similar to UberBLACK, this is Lyft’s luxury ride selection. The premium black-car service is more expensive than the standard Lyft ride and Lyft Lux.
5. Lyft Shared: This ride option is shared with other Lyft riders going in the same direction. You will share the ride with up to two additional passengers who will be picked up and dropped off along the way. This option is less expensive than the other ride options, but it may take longer to reach your destination due to the shared ride.
6. Lyft Lux Black XL: This is Lyft's premium ride option for larger groups of up to six passengers. It is a luxury ride in a high-end vehicle like an SUV or minivan. This option is more expensive than the standard Lyft XL ride and Lyft Lux.

For simplicity's sake, feel free to stick to the standard option to avoid paying higher fees or overwhelming yourself with too many selections.

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Although Uber and Lyft are top-rated apps, they are likely more reliable than taxis, and both implement safety features such as driver background checks, in-app safety features, and feedback systems, riders may still want to take additional precautions to ensure safety.

If, however, you are a frequent rider or plan on using either Lyft or Uber far more often; there are several ways to save additional cash.

How to save a few bucks when using Uber

• First, go to your account page by clicking the icon on the bottom row on the far right side. Then select "wallet" located at the center top of the page.
• Once inside "your wallet" you can enter vouchers or promotional codes to save.

Your Uber "wallet" can help save you cash. (Kurt Knutsson)

• You can also link certain credit cards that offer competitive saving benefits when using the card on the platform.
• Some current offers include: Linking your Capital One card for a free membership to Uber One, unlimited 3% cash back on all purchases on the app when using your Apple card, a $10 coupon when you link your American Express Gold card, plus several others.

Lyft also provides cost-saving options to frequent riders but favors the traveler over the penny-saver. While Uber offers benefits like a free subscription, coupon codes, or cash back, Lyft offers miles and hotel points.

How to save a few bucks when using Lyft

• Start with the main page that opens when you first launch the app. Then click on the three bars located at the top of the left corner of your screen.

Here's how to access rewards on Lyft. (Kurt Knutsson)

• Once selected, you can scroll to "rewards."

Look for the "Rewards" option in the Lyft menu. (Kurt Knutsson)

• Now you will be able to see any coupons already applied to your profile, or you can enter any promo codes applicable to your account.
• You can also link your Delta, Alaska or Hilton accounts to earn points and save.

You can link your Delta, Alaska or Hilton accounts to earn points on Lyft. (Kurt Knutsson)

• By linking your Delta SkyMiles or Alaska Mileage Plan, you can earn one to two miles for every dollar spent on the app.
• By linking your Hilton Honors account, you can earn three points for every dollar spent on Lyft.

How to maximize your safety when using Uber or Lyft

• Check driver and vehicle information: Match the license plate of the car to the info provided within the app. Also, be sure to ask for the driver's name and also match that with the information provided by the app.
• Share your trip details: Provide real-time GPS tracking of your ride to friends and family.
• Ride-sharing: Uber and Lyft offer ride-sharing options, which can help riders feel safer by sharing the ride and cost with others.
• Sit in the backseat: By providing some distance between you and the driver, you create a buffer for added protection.
• Contact emergency services: In case of an emergency, you can contact emergency services directly from the app by tapping the "911 Assistance" button.

Option 5 should only be used in the case of an emergency; however, it remains one of the best safety features at your disposal.

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Using Uber's Emergency Safety Feature:

• Open the Uber app while in the middle of a ride and tap the "Shield" icon in the bottom right corner of the app's map screen.
• Tap on "Emergency Assistance."
• Select the type of emergency you're experiencing (e.g., "911 assistance," "report a crash," or "report a safety incident").
• Tap "Call 911" or "Call Safety Line" to speak with an Uber representative.

Using Lyft's Emergency Safety Feature:

• Open the Lyft app and tap the "Emergency" icon in the bottom right corner.
• Tap "Alert 911" or "Call Support" to speak with a Lyft representative.
• If you select "Alert 911 silently," a member of ADT will contact law enforcement to share your location. The app will only connect you to ADT if requested.
• If you select "Call Support," you'll be connected to a Lyft representative who can assist you.

Final Thoughts

I personally was a late adopter of both Uber and Lyft as I didn’t see the need for them. However, I’ve discovered that both apps are much more reasonably priced than taxis and usually have better customer service. From the upfront pricing to accountable drivers who depend on passenger ratings and reviews to the app’s ease of use and simplicity, Uber and Lyft are far more preferable than a taxi on most occasions. (In Italy, taxis were cheaper than Ubers, so that’s not always the golden rule.)

Regarding our recommendation between Lyft and Uber, we suggest opening both apps and checking the pricing to your desired location by following the above instructions. Then, if one is far cheaper than the other, save some much-needed cash and select the most economically friendly choice. Otherwise, our default selection remains to be awarded to Uber for its sleek design and quality customer service.

Which app do you prefer Uber or Lyft? Let us know. We'd love to hear from you.

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