Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors. This means they are free to drive for both rideshare companies at the same time to maximize their earnings. However, the process must be done correctly; hence, it is crucial to learn how to do it.
The most important thing is to be familiar with both rideshare apps and ensure your car is equipped. For instance, you need a phone mount, a Bluetooth headset to receive calls without taking your hands off the wheel, and an unlimited data subscription (preferably).
Without further ado, let’s look at how you can drive for Uber and Lyft at the same time without getting caught or risking deactivation. This guide will also cover the pros and cons of this decision and how to maintain efficiency.
How to Drive Uber and Lyft at the Same Time
Driving for Uber and Lyft is usually a straightforward process. There are two ways you can manage the requests from both apps efficiently:
Dual-app setup
This method involves running both ridesharing apps simultaneously on your phone. You get to split the screen on your device or switch from one app to another to accept ride requests.
Multi-app setup
The second option is the multi-app setup. This method involves downloading an ultimate app like Mystro, which contains different ride-hailing apps. With this app, you can navigate between Uber and Lyft without splitting your screen.
In addition, it features other apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and GrubHub. A multi-app setup is ideal for drivers who wish to multitask with more than two apps. Mystro is currently available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Pros & Cons of Driving for Uber and Lyft Simultaneously
Pros
1. Earn more money
Shuffling between Uber and Lyft is an excellent way to improve your revenue potential. A rider strictly servicing one app is somewhat limited. You get to enjoy access to multiple requests and may be spoiled for options.
The more rides or blocks you complete, the more money you make.
2. Lesser downtime
When completing rides using one app, there is a high chance that you will experience more downtime. You either wait near the drop-off zone until a new request appears or return to your initial spot.
With two apps, this becomes reduced. There is a chance of accepting a ride immediately after drop-off or while returning to your initial spot.
3. Access to more tip
Aside from improving your earning potential and granting you access to more customers, driving for Uber and Lyft is a way to earn more tips. You can look forward to receiving a decent tip just as you get paid for a successful trip.
Interestingly, both apps allow drivers to keep 100% of any tip they receive.
4. Enhance your rideshare skills and experience
The longer you provide services on Uber and Lyft, the better you get used to how both services and the ridesharing industry work. You will also discover what most customers expect from you and increase your chances of making more money or adding a third app.
5. Alternative in case of issues
Technical issues, app glitches, or account problems can arise anytime on any ride-sharing app. When you work with more than one company, it becomes easy to switch to an app with smooth functionality.
Cons
1. Increase workload
While you are getting busy and making more money, your workload as a driver also increases. This can be overwhelming if you do not have a strategy or plan you follow.
2. Reduced consistency
Since no one can predict which app will be busier at any given period, drivers continuously switch from one app to another. This results in reduced consistency.
3. Increased cancellation
While drivers can effectively manage this, if they fall into the temptation of canceling an order for another (with a better value) recurrently, they risk a high cancellation rate. This may result in your eventual deactivation or affect your ranking negatively.
4. Low acceptance rate
Similar to high cancellations, when drivers are spoilt for choice, they opt for only robust requests. While this is understandable, you must create a balance to avoid being deactivated.
If the requests on Uber are better, it does not mean you should neglect Lyft completely. Accept a few rides on the platform to stay relevant.
6 Ways to Effectively Drive Uber And Lyft At the Same Time
1. Ensure you are equipped
This is one of the most significant ways to navigate driving for more than one ride-hailing app safely. You need a smartphone that allows you to use both apps without lagging, a phone mount, and a wireless headset for communicating with customers.
You also need to have sufficient or unlimited data to stay connected to both apps and customers.
2. Have a strategy or schedule
Once you are equipped, the next step is to have a strategy or schedule. While planning your day while driving for both apps usually gets better with time or experience, the basics involve knowing which areas or days are the busiest.
In most cases, it is better off working a few hours during peak hours than wasting hours waiting for requests during slow hours. It would help if you also considered choosing the closest pick because Uber or Lyft won’t pay you for downtime.
3. Use a rideshare management software
Utilizing rideshare management tools is another way to stay on top of your game while driving for Uber and Lyft. Examples include Mystro, Gridwise, and Rudar. With these apps, you can maximize earnings and maintain an excellent acceptance rate and rating.
4. Optimize your strategy regularly
Having a strategy is excellent. However, there are times when things may fail to go according to plan. Optimizing your strategy based on recent events can help you stay ahead and safe from being deactivated.
5. Track your income and expenses separately
Just because you drive for Uber and Lyft does not mean you should lose track of or spend your earnings lavishly. Keeping track of your income will help you know which app generates more money after accounting for expenses.
It also helps you make informed decisions moving forward.
6. Prioritize peak hours and create a balance
Prioritizing peak hours while using Uber and Lyft is excellent for earning more money within a few hours. However, surges occur at different intervals, and there may be times when both apps will be less busy.
Whichever one it is, balance things up and avoid recurrent cancellations.
FAQs
Does Lyft allow two passengers?
Lyft allows two passengers for a trip. A standard Lyft ride allows up to 4 people, while XL rides (for bigger groups) can fit up to 6 passengers.
Can Lyft pick up at two locations?
You can, as long you include a stop at the start or during the trip.
Do you make more money with Lyft or Uber?
There is no one-size-fits-all because different factors can influence your earning potential. Nevertheless, Uber drivers generally boast of a higher gross earning per hour.
Conclusion: Should You Drive for Uber and Lyft the Same Time?
You should consider driving Uber and Lyft if you feel you are not earning enough money. After making this decision, you must equip yourself and your car to aid seamless navigation between both apps.
You also need a strategy to stay relevant to both ride-hailing apps. This way, you get to earn more money and avoid being deactivated or de-ranked. Over time, you will know what works for both platforms and take your earnings to the next level.
I hope you found this guide helpful. For further reading, discover what percentage Uber drivers earn per trip and the factors that affect it.
Thanks for reading.