How Much of the Ride Sharing Fee Does the Driver Earn?

I am in a situation where I might have to use a ride sharing company (Uber, Lyft, etc) for an extended period.

I am just curious how much of the fee I am charged actually goes to the driver.

For instance, if I am charged $40 for a ride, does the driver only get $20 of it?

If so I'm thinking I might be able to negotiate with the driver for something in between that would benefit both of us. Say $30 in the instance above.

It would be a steady, regular trip. For instance, back and forth to a job for a week or two.

Has anyone done this before.

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People do try to negotiate cash rides. However, most drivers aren't carrying commercial insurance and if something happens, you aren't covered by the platform and their insurance. Too risky in my mind!

So if I understand you correctly, the ride sharing service you are booking through provides insurance in case you're in an accident and gets injured?

So if you do negotiate a cash ride, you would be limited to the insurance coverage limits that the driver has determined they should have on their vehicle. Again, in the case you are injured in an accident.

I didn't think of that, so thanks.

@wrosie wrote:

So if I understand you correctly, the ride sharing service you are booking through provides insurance in case you're in an accident and gets injured?

So if you do negotiate a cash ride, you would be limited to the insurance coverage limits that the driver has determined they should have on their vehicle. Again, in the case you are injured in an accident.

I didn't think of that, so thanks.

Correct by booking on platform you're covered under Uber or Lyft insurance. You go off platform and do a cash ride, you're on whatever insurance that driver has. More than likely they haven't told their car insurance they're driving people and if they get into an accident, their insurance may not cover any of it.

For me it's not worth the chance.

Food is correct.

Additionally in many cities (NYC included), off the book rides or “hacks” are illegal and can result in tickets or fines if you’re caught. Usually they go after the driver, not the passenger, but you never know.

There are other concerns with off the book rides such as safety and reliability.

The beauty of the apps is that drivers can pick and choose their hours or rides. They aren’t locked into anything permanent. If you’re looking for a consistent scheduled driver, I would reach out to a car service in your area and negotiate.

@foodluvr wrote:

@wrosie wrote:

So if I understand you correctly, the ride sharing service you are booking through provides insurance in case you're in an accident and gets injured?

So if you do negotiate a cash ride, you would be limited to the insurance coverage limits that the driver has determined they should have on their vehicle. Again, in the case you are injured in an accident.

I didn't think of that, so thanks.

Correct by booking on platform you're covered under Uber or Lyft insurance. You go off platform and do a cash ride, you're on whatever insurance that driver has. More than likely they haven't told their car insurance they're driving people and if they get into an accident, their insurance may not cover any of it.

For me it's not worth the chance.

In some areas Uber used to have (or maybe still does?) a 'favorite driver' option, but you had to schedule in advance

Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product. Eleanor Roosevelt

To answer the original question, there are many factors in how much the driver receives.

My unofficial survey has shown the driver receives between 70-80% of the fare. This is based off of conversations with over 100 Uber drivers in the last year who have shuttled me to and from the airport which is around 6 miles from my house.

Prior to WFH, a coworker got reduced fees for a daily, roundtrip commute. It was cheaper than the subway. That may be something to look into.

"I told myself to quit you; but I don't listen to drunks." -Chris Stapleton

if were talking uber i believe their deductible is like $2000.

shopping north west PA and south west ny

@cooldude581 wrote:

if were talking uber i believe their deductible is like $2000.

For their vehicle, yes. Not for injury sustained to a passanger while in their car on a ride.

WRosie, I know this is an old thread so it may be too late but if the reason you need a driver is a medical reason you might look into what your city has to offer. In Los Angeles there are several different companies that cover rides at a very modest co pay for those who are temporarily disabled , A friend of mine arranged this for a 3 month period after heart surgery when she was not supposed to drive. I believe the passenger pays a set fee of a few dollars each way.

@wrosie: Just a thought, but do you have a friend or a friend-of-a-friend (with insurance) who would be willing to temporarily shuttle you back and forth for an agreed upon price?

I intend to live forever. So far, so good.

It would be to a job and everyone I know that could drive me would be working or going to work.

Also, I am aware of the transportation assistance with medical appointments but I go to the VA and get transportation from a Veterans group.

Thanks for thinking about it though.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/31/2023 01:33AM by wrosie.

As a follow up to my idea, for those reading this that might need transportation due to some medical requirement not to drive, this service is available in some cities and would allow you to use the service to go anywhere, not just to medically related appointments.

@wrosie wrote:

It would be to a job and everyone I know that could drive me would be working or going to work.

Also, I am aware of the transportation assistance with medical appointments but I go to the VA and get transportation from a Veterans group.

Thanks for thinking about it though.

in 2013 I was paid $3.55 for a $5 cost trip.

shopping north west PA and south west ny

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