A Tip For Those Who Use Uber and Lyft

A friend I know drives for Lyft, which is a drive-sharing service. Let's call him Sam.

Sam has driven for well over a year and enjoys talking with his passengers. He finds most of them engaging and interesting, more so than staying home only to watch TV. After all, he would get angry with the news, annoyed with talk shows, and would become "brain-dead" watching Drew Carey or Wayne Brady give away fa-a-a-a-bulous prizes each day.

Sam is retired and still feels like he can be a useful member of society. He also cannot live only on his Social Security, so driving for Lyft takes care of supplementing his income, as well as, all the above. In addition, he doesn't have to worry about his answer to the question, "what did you do all day?"

Technically, Sam is considered self-employed, so he makes his own hours. He answers only to himself, as long as his activity does not damage the Lyft Brand. Seems reasonable, right?

But he does not get to keep 100% of the fare. Lyft (and Uber) take a handling fee for itself and for third parties Lyft is obligated to. So in actuality, Sam walks away with about 65% of the gross fare AND is responsible for his gas, some tolls, and other car expenses since it is his car. And his taxes.

The point is this: Sam provides a service to his passenger, much like a waitress provides a service to her customers, or a bartender to his, or a paper carrier to his. You would tip for the excellent service you receive from workers in these occupations. 

So, why do so many passengers not tip for excellent service they receive from Sam and others like him? Certainly, you would not tip as generously, or at all, to other workers in service industries if you received poor or unsatisfactory service. But if you received decent service, of course you would.

So the next time you use a ride service, take an extra moment as you close out the ride and take a "tip" from me. Add a reasonable tip to the total that is shown, since that tip goes ONLY to Sam and not to Lyft or Uber.

You can be sure Sam will appreciate it. I know I would.