People prefer ride-hailing apps over their own vehicles to travel these days. Uber and Lyft are the most famous ride-hailing applications and they have exploded in growth over the last few years. Here, we present to you an in-depth comparison of these two based on different aspects.
Uber App vs. Lyft App
Both companies came up with their apps at the same time, and the only difference is in their user interface and access to features. They do the same thing, which is connecting potential riders to nearby drivers. The Uber app gives a better idea of the total cost of the ride. Lyft is still trying to be more transparent, but is not yet there.
- Riders’ say
They do not have a preference either way. They typically choose the service that has a ride nearest to them.
- Drivers’ say
They use both to find the closest rider. Therefore, many rideshare drivers drive for both Uber and Lyft at the same time and accept whichever ride request comes up first. For them, it minimizes downtime and the easiest alternative to increase earnings.
Vehicle Types/Options
Uber is more of a professional kind of ride for business people, the drivers are professional, concise, and do the best to get you from one point to another.
| UberPOOL | This is the cheapest ride option available. Riders share rides going the same route. |
| UberX | Another budget option, an everyday car with room for up to 4 people will come and pick you up. |
| UberXL | An SUV with seating for up to 6 people will come and pick you up. |
| UberSELECT | This is a 4-door luxury sedan with seating for up to 4 passengers. |
| UberBLACK | Uber’s original car service, these rides feature high-end luxury vehicles with seating for up to 4 passengers. |
| UberSUV | The most expensive service Uber offers, a high-end SUV with seating for up to 6 passengers will pick you up. |
Lyft drivers are more of joyous ride providers. Their motto is “Your Friend with a Car”. Lyft drivers are friendly, open to conversation, and more fun than Uber drivers. Most of the time, riders are requested to sit in the front passenger seat and interact with the Lyft driver.
| Lyft Line | Riders share rides going the same route. The cheapest option available to riders. |
| Lyft | The budget option of the group, an everyday car with room for 4 passengers comes to get you. |
| Lyft Plus | This is also a regular vehicle to get you, but with room for up to 6 passengers. |
| Lyft Premier | These are rides in higher quality vehicles than the other Lyft options. Seating up to 4 passengers. |
- Riders’ say – Uber leans more towards serving to business riders and focus on maintaining quality and brand value. Lyft is leaned towards offering friendly rides and make commuting relaxed for its users.
- Drivers’ say – Drivers see higher earning potential in Uber since there are more ride options available. High-end luxury vehicles with seating for up to 4 passengers in UberBLACK ride option cost much more than regular rides. However, Lyft riders tend to tip more.
Uber vs. Lyft Customer Support
The communication mode for riders and drivers to get in touch is through email, in-app support, website support, and critical response lines. In terms of quality, both companies have declined in recent years as the companies grew to astounding numbers and cities. After researching around a bit about the satisfaction levels of the users of these two, it looks like Lyft is more helpful in solving issues than Uber.
- Riders’ feel – Both the companies are likely to give a specific response. Lyft provides more detail and is better at listening to your issues. However, in critical matters like accidents or bad behavior from drivers, both companies have a critical response line to render near-instant support for the riders.
- Drivers’ feel – It is quite easier to resolve issues through Uber customer service. Uber support offers canned responses, and Lyft goes a bit far into resolving the issue.
Uber vs. Lyft Coverage Areas
Uber covers 58 countries and 300 cities worldwide. Lyft is aggressively expanding and it is currently available in roughly 46 states in the United States and in Canada only. Both the companies offer rides 24/7. However, passengers from small towns find it harder to request a cab, as it totally depends on the availability of drivers in that area. If a passenger is from an urban location like Los Angeles, San Francisco, or New York, getting a ride is fast and hassle-free.
- Riders’ say – Riders say that they can get quick, reliable rides from Uber anywhere they go. Lyft works only in most of the US cities. When traveling abroad, it is convenient for riders to book Uber.
- Drivers’ say – Drivers feel that Uber offers many more locations than Lyft, as they are available in many more cities. Moreover, Uber has a greater selection of vehicles making them the perfect choice for drivers.
To conclude with an absolute winner, Uber beats Lyft on vehicle options, coverage areas, and innovation. However, Lyft takes the lead when it comes to customer support, and brand image. For some it may be Uber, for some it is Lyft. It all depends on personal choice and the needs.
