Houston Uber Lyft Driver Guide

Houston Lyft & Uber Guide

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As the fourth most populous city in the United States, Houston has a healthy demand for rideshare services.

Whether working full-time or as a side gig, Lyft and Uber drivers in Houston can make some serious cash when driving during the busiest times of the week or picking up and dropping off riders at some of the city’s most popular destinations.

But if you want to maximize your earnings with Lyft or Uber, you need to know the ins and outs of being a rideshare driver in Houston. That’s why we’ve put together a helpful guide to driving Lyft and Uber in Houston. Below, you’ll find information on the best times and areas to pick up riders as well as some insider tips for avoiding traffic and getting to your destination as quickly as possible.

Best Areas to Drive Lyft and Uber in Houston

Some areas are more popular than others when it comes to rider demand. If you want to make the most out of your Lyft or Uber driving experience while maximizing your earnings, focus on the areas of town that will allow you to increase the number of rides and earn higher fares.

Downtown Area

One of the hottest spots in Houston is the downtown area, which boasts both an active business community and vibrant cultural scene. During the week, you have the opportunity to pick up riders traveling to and from work, but during the weekend, you can take advantage of those who are enjoying Houston’s downtown nightlife.

Here are just a few of the busiest venues that have high demand during special events:

  • Toyota Center
  • George R. Brown Convention Center
  • Discovery Green
  • Minute Maid Park

The Heights, Montrose and Rice Village

The charming, upscale Heights neighborhood is a great walking area, with wonderful restaurants, great architecture and nightlife, and the off kilter Art Car Museum.

Houston Uber Driver Guide - The Heights
Stephanie A Sellers / Shutterstock.com

 

Montrose is an eclectic area where you can find riders who just visited the museum district, an art gallery or one of the areas many antique stores.

Rice Village is a great shopping and dining area just West of Rice University. If you’re looking for a lot of short hops to satisfy a Lyft or Uber bonus requirement, this is a good spot to try.

TDECU Stadium

Texans love their football, and this is never more apparent than on a University of Houston gameday. As thousands of fans gather to tailgate and watch the Cougars play, rideshare drivers have the opportunity to make some serious cash. The designated pickup and drop-off area is located on the west side of Calhoun Road just off of University Drive.

Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land

Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land is another popular event venue for those living in Houston. From concerts and cultural events to comedy shows and dance performances, there is something going on every week at this venue. To avoid heavy traffic during special events, both Uber and Lyft drivers should navigate to the designated rideshare pickup zone, which is outside the box office on Lexington Boulevard.

NRG Park

NRG Park includes the NRG Stadium, NRG Center, NRG Arena, and NRG Astrodome. With 5.6 million people visiting NRG Park every year for a variety of different events, this is certainly a hot spot for Uber and Lyft drivers. When traveling to NRG Stadium during Texans games, traffic can be a challenge. Use the designated lots for rideshare drivers to pick up and drop off passengers before and after the game, located on the right side NRG Parkway.

Houston Lyft driver NRG Stadium
Image Credit: digidreamgrafix / Shutterstock.com

 

Best Times to Drive Lyft and Uber in Houston

The most successful Lyft and Uber drivers focus on driving during the busiest times of the day to take advantage of Uber’s Surge and Lyft’s Prime Time, which allow drivers to earn higher fares during peak rider demand. If you want to maximize your earnings and complete more rides during your shift, focus on these peak hours for Houston:

Morning Rush Hour: Monday – Friday from 6-9 a.m.

Lyft and Uber drivers can expect countless requests during morning rush hour, especially in the downtown and Galleria areas. Many riders would rather rideshare to work then deal with parking costs. This is also when you’ll experience high traffic volumes in Houston, so check traffic and identify alternate routes before you head out.

Afternoon Rush Hour: Monday – Friday from 3-8 p.m.

There is also a high demand for Lyft and Uber drivers during afternoon rush hour in the downtown and Galleria areas as riders are heading home from work. Again, this is also when you can expect to encounter peak traffic times, so plan accordingly by knowing your route ahead of time.

Weekend Late Night: Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m.-3 a.m.

The nightlife rush in Houston can start as early at 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday afternoon, and rider demand usually continues on through 3 a.m. The highest demand areas include downtown, midtown, and Montrose.

Uber and Lyft Houston Airport Drop-Offs and Pickups

With two major airports in the Houston area, there’s a good chance you’ll be picking up or dropping off riders at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) or William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). When dropping riders off at IAH or HOU, you can proceed to the arrivals area of their designated terminal.

When picking up riders at IAH or HOU, you will need to proceed to the designated rideshare waiting area. For both Uber and Lyft, there is a first-in-first-out policy when waiting for requests. This means that the first drivers who enter the rideshare lot will be the first drivers to receive a request. Here are the pick-up instructions for each airport:

  • IAH – The rideshare waiting area for both Uber and Lyft is located near Lee Road and Will Clayton Parkway. Once you have received a passenger request, you will proceed to one of the four designated pickup points at the terminal.
  • HOU – The rideshare waiting area for both Uber and Lyft is located off of S. Rent Car Road. Once you have received a passenger request, you will proceed to Pickup Zone 5 at the terminal.

Here are some other important things to keep in mind when picking up passengers:

  • You can lose your place in the queue if you leave the waiting area, turn off your driver app, or cancel multiple rides.
  • If a rider cancels the ride, you will maintain your place in the queue as long as you proceed back to the waiting area.
  • If there are no drivers in the waiting area, the trip requests will be sent to other Uber or Lyft drivers in the area.

Navigating Houston Traffic: Route Tips and Shortcuts for Uber and Lyft Drivers

When it comes to getting from the pickup to drop-off location as quickly as possible, you’ll need to know the most efficient routes and shortcuts in Houston.

Houston Uber driver guide

 

Keep these in mind during your next Houston Uber or Lyft driving shift:

  • To avoid traffic congestion on 610, take Hardy Street to Cavalcade and turn right to get on I-45. Alternatively, you can also take the left access to US-59.
  • To avoid traffic and slow drive times, avoid the West Belt at all costs, and instead take San Felipe when traveling to Galleria or Downtown.
  • To get downtown faster, avoid 610. Instead take Hardy Street, which turns into Elysian and then Crawford. Turn onto La Branch and you’ll end up on the east side of downtown.
  • If you’re trying to get to HOU quickly, bypass the Gulf Freeway or I-45 by taking SH-288 southbound to the 610 south loop eastbound ramp. Then take a right on Telephone and onto Airport Boulevard to get directly to the terminal.

Whether you are driving Uber or Lyft (or even both), there’s never been a better time to be a rideshare driver in the city of Houston. With an abundance of riders both local and visiting, rideshare services are always in demand. Use some of the tips above to get the most out of your rideshare driving experience and maximize your earnings in Houston.

 

Looking For The Best Rideshare Company To Sign Up With?

Sign up to drive with Lyft today and get a sign up bonus.

With Lyft, you can sign up to drive even if you don’t have a car!

Lyft Sign Up Bonus

 

Lyft driver sign up college

Signing Up to Drive for Uber or Lyft Over Winter Break

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College students all over the country look forward to winter break as a chance to spend time with family, reunite with high school pals, and recuperate from that brutal organic chem final.

It can also be a great time to earn some extra cash and get out of the house when your family starts to drive you crazy. Driving for Uber or Lyft during the holidays is a great way to finance those late-night meals at Applebee’s or next semester’s textbook bill.

Interested? Check out these tips on how to maximize your earnings as an Uber or Lyft driver this winter.

Sign Up for Both the Lyft and Uber Platforms

Depending on where you plan to drive, Uber may be more popular than Lyft, or vice versa. Regardless, sign up for both platforms to increase your earnings as a driver. You may be wondering why you should go through the extra trouble. Here’s why:

Platform Differences

Uber and Lyft are very different companies, and as such, they do things differently. For example, Lyft offers sign up bonuses while Uber does not, opting instead to offer sign up earnings guarantees. Depending on your situation, one, or both, could be helpful to you.

Apps Fail

Apps often fail during peak times, which can be frustrating if you’re only using one of the two and you’re already out on the road, hoping to make money. It’s better to have a back-up to keep from losing any earnings over the course of the day or night.

Surge Divergence

Often, Uber and Lyft prices surge at the same time. However, sometimes, Uber may surge while Lyft doesn’t.

If it’s a busy moment, you’ll want to make sure you have both apps open.

Pro Tip: In some cities, Uber or Lyft may require a vehicle inspection (though not always). If you need to have one done, ask a family member to do it for you before you get home, so you won’t have to waste any time.

Don’t Have a Car? Rent One with Lyft Express Drive, Maven, or HyreCar

As long as you meet the age requirements, renting a car to drive for Uber and Lyft is easier than ever. However, which option you choose should depend on which platform you’ll be using.

Rental Car For Lyft

 

Lyft Express Drive

Lyft Express Drive is the easiest option because it is available directly through Lyft. The company actually wants its drivers to start using this option. However, those who prefer to use Uber exclusively or in addition to Lyft will need to choose another option.

Maven

With Maven (GM’s weekly car rental service), you can drive with Lyft, Uber, or another smaller rideshare platform. Options vary, and you can choose one that works with your budget.

HyreCar

HyreCar is another option if you’d like to rent vehicles from individuals. Also, the rental periods can be as short as one or two days, so you can try out different cars.

Fair

Fair is another option for car rental, but unfortunately, it only allows you to rent month-to-month. As a college student just home for a few weeks, it’s probably better to go with one of the other options.

Other rental companies include Hertz, Turo, and Rideshare Rental, as well as GetAround, which is only available in limited areas. All in all, though, if you’re looking to work for both Uber and Lyft at the same time, Maven or HyreCar are your best bets.

Balancing Family, Friends, and Driving

All work and no play makes Jack wish he had stayed in the dorm eating Oreos and playing God of War. Of course, you don’t want to work all the way through your winter break—and the good news is you don’t have to.

Uber driver sign up college break

 

When you drive for Uber or Lyft, the key is to drive during the most lucrative times. No sense missing a lunch with friends just to sit in your car earning nothing.

To better balance work and pleasure, choose your drive times carefully. Your most lucrative times will be:

  • First couple weeks of December
  • Just before and after Christmas Day
  • End of December–January 1st
  • Monday–Saturday Nights (10 p.m. to 3 a.m.)
  • Weekday early mornings

Focusing on these peak periods can get your bank balance up while giving you plenty of time to hang with friends and family. Of course, if you decide not to work a certain day or holiday, that’s up to you. It’s the beauty of being your own boss!

Driver Advice to Keep Your Passengers Tip-sy

Drivers that go the extra mile often earn more in tips from grateful passengers. Here are a few pieces of advice for making sure your passengers will love their trip enough to tip.

  • Let the rider set the tone for conversations. If they seem chatty, talk. If not, don’t. But always stay polite.
  • Offer at least two chargers—one for iPhones and one for Androids—for your riders.
  • Ask your passenger where they want to be dropped off. They might surprise you and ask to be dropped at a side entrance.
  • Say “Thank you” or “Have a good day.” Always leave things on a positive note.

Pro Tip: Even more than receiving tips, your positive attitude and attention to detail can earn you good ratings, which will get you more rides.

Is It Worth It to Drive With Lyft or Uber During Winter Break?

If you’re short on cash or want to finance that semester abroad, driving for Uber or Lyft for a few weeks this winter can be a great way to pad your bank account.

According to Uber, drivers earn 8 percent more in December as compared to November. To make the most of your time, be strategic with your drive times and offer the best passenger experience you can.

If you’re ready to sign up, click below to see your Lyft sign up bonus!

Looking For The Best Rideshare Company To Sign Up With?

Sign up to drive with Lyft today and get a sign up bonus.

With Lyft, you can sign up to drive even if you don’t have a car!

Lyft Sign Up Bonus

 

Bird Scooter Riders

Bird Platform: How to Manage Your Own Scooter Fleet with Bird

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Since launching about a year ago, Bird, a popular scootershare company, has already clocked more than 10 million rides and expanded to more than 100 cities. Now, the company is expanding its offering with a new opportunity for entrepreneurs and business owners who want to develop their own fleet of sharable e-scooters.

In late November, Bird Rides launched the Bird Platform.

The new Bird Platform enables entrepreneurs to make money managing their own fleet of shared e-scooters using Bird’s resources. This program offers a great opportunity for business-savvy individuals who want to make a little money on the side or established business owners who want to expand their services.

If this sounds like the kind of opportunity you want to take advantage of, you’ll want to understand how the platform works and how you can get started with your own fleet. Below is a quick guide that covers all you need to know about the new Bird Platform.

Bird Platform: How It Works

The basic logistics of the platform are simple.

Bird provides you with scooters at cost and access to the company’s marketplace of chargers and mechanics. As an independent operator, you run your own fleet complete with your own branding. You can also decide whether to utilize Bird chargers and mechanics or use your own resources.

Purchasing Branded Scooters

As an independent operator, you can purchase the e-scooters directly from Bird at cost.

These will be their Bird Zero model scooters, which have 60 percent more battery life, better durability, and increased ride stability when compared to the earlier model.

Bird Zero Scooter
Bird Zero scooter manufactured by Okai.

 

There are no minimum or maximum number of scooters you need to purchase as part of your fleet.

However, keep in mind any local regulations that dictate the number of scooters allowed on the streets.

For example, in San Francisco, the city’s Municipal Transportation Agency has put a cap on the number of scooters permitted on the roads. And they have actually denied Bird a permit to operate within the city limits at all.

Once you’ve purchased the scooters, you’ll need to create your own branding to set yourself apart from other scooter companies in your area. After developing your unique branding, simply upload your logo to the Bird Platform and select your sleeve color. According to Bird, you cover the cost of city permits, and they’ll “do the rest.”

Managing Your E-Scooter Fleet

Once you have purchased your fleet of e-scooters, you’ll get everything you need to manage the machines through the Bird Platform.

In addition to the freedom to brand your scooter fleet however you please, Bird will also help you run your scooters from your very own customized app. The scooters are delivered to you “map-ready,” meaning that they are already equipped with the latest in GPS, anti-theft technology, and GovTech.

All independent operators will have access to Bird’s Open Map API. This allows them to display their scooters on the Bird map where riders will be able to see available scooters to reserve.

Bird Scooters - Find a Bird Nearby

 

Since Bird is already a popular scooter rental app for consumers, allowing independent operators to display their scooters on the Bird app will help drive additional business for these entrepreneurs and business owners.

The Bird Platform will also make it easy for independent operators to market their business through a customized website. You can add your own branding and information to the site and begin to use this as a marketing tool for your scooter fleet. And you can manage it all from one easy to use platform through Bird.

bird e-scooter fleet

 

Accessing the Charger & Mechanic Marketplace

When you become an independent operator with Bird, you also have access to an extensive marketplace of chargers and mechanics for your e-scooter fleet. Having access to the Bird charger and mechanic apps enables you to easily get all the tools and resources you need to streamline your business and more efficiently manage and maintain your fleet of e-scooters.

Independent operators will be able to set their own pay rate for chargers to maintain their scooters. This means you have more control over your bottom line. Not to mention, you also have the ability to charge the scooters yourself as a way to save money. In fact, those who currently work as chargers for Bird may be the ideal candidates to become independent operators as they will be able to maximize their earnings doing the same task.

Operating Fees

In addition to initial start-up costs of purchasing the Bird-designed e-scooters, Bird will also charge a service fee for each ride. This service fee covers all of the benefits Bird provides its independent operators, including the ability to buy reliable scooters at cost; use of the Bird Platform, which makes e-scooter fleet management easy; access to the network of chargers and mechanics; and listing on Bird’s Open Map API. This service fee will amount to 20 percent of the ride cost.

Other costs involved include the cost of maintenance. Again, you have the ability to charge the scooters yourself or pay chargers on Bird’s charger network. The best option for you will depend on your own individual needs and circumstances. You’ll also need to consider mechanic fees. Though you have access to the network of Bird mechanics through their app, you may also outsource this work or complete it yourself, depending on your own needs and preferences.

How to Get Started With Your Own Bird Scooter Fleet

Bird has just launched the Bird Platform and is beginning the rollout in select cities this month.

According to Bird, more than 300 entrepreneurs and business owners have already started to show interest in this opportunity. As it’s currently only available in a few markets, they are currently asking those who want to become independent operators to sign up to join the Bird Platform waitlist.

 

Lyft ipo, Uber ipo, and Sidecar investor suit

Lyft Gains, Sidecar Returns, And Drizly Makes It Rain

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This Week In On Demand — Dec. 14, 2018

While you focus on tackling pre-holiday checklists, some of the most popular side hustle services have been busy raising money, preparing for IPO, and settling out of court.

From rideshare to roomshare, here’s what you missed this week in on demand.

Drizly Raises $34.6 Million

Drizly announced a $34.6 million series C funding round. Based in Boston, the company offers an app-based, on demand alcohol delivery service. Notable investors include Baird Capital and Tiger Global Managment, who led the series F Instacart round in November. They were also joined by Polaris Partners.

The company has experienced substantial growth this year. Along with the latest funding round, Drizly acquired its small competitor Buttery in July. It also revamped its leadership team by adding a new CMO and CFO, and welcomed a new CEO in August.

Uber Hires Morgan Stanley, Tests News Food Delivery Option, and Gets Hit With Sidecar Lawsuit

On Wednesday, news broke that Uber has hired Morgan Stanley to lead its IPO after filing its SEC paperwork last week. It’s also reported Goldman Sachs will assist.

Uber’s biggest competitor, Lyft, filed for IPO last week as well, so the race to go public is officially on.

Uber is also reportedly testing a new Uber Eats program. Dubbed Uber Eats Pool, the service promotes multi-customer ordering from a single eatery in each geographical area. All of the orders are delivered by one driver, and in exchange, the customers receive reduced rates. The programs testing phase is only available in India.

Unfortunately, the enthusiasm surrounding Uber’s progression towards IPO was dampened by a new lawsuit.

On Tuesday, Sidecar filed an antitrust claim against Uber in federal court. The rideshare company went out of business in 2015, which it asserts occurred as a result of illegal practices committed by Uber.

Uber denies the claims, but Sidecar investors likely have a decent case given Uber’s past behavior.

While it’s unlikely the case holds up Uber’s IPO, it would still make sense for Uber Chief Legal Officer Tony West to settle the matter prior to going public.

Lyft Earns Self-Driving Vehicle Patent, Launches D.C. Grocery Program, and Showcases Market Growth

On Tuesday, Lyft’s autonomous vehicle communication patent was granted by the U.S. Patent Office. Developed as part of its Level 5 self-driving division, the design utilizes the vehicle’s windows to display messages to pedestrians as well as other roadway traffic. Uber filed its own self-driving correspondence patent earlier this year, but its display relies on light and auditory signals.

Along with technological innovation, Lyft is working to make grocery shopping easier for families that live in areas with minimal food options. Through a new partnership with Martha’s Table, Lyft is offering trip rates of $2.50 to and from certain grocery stores in Washington, D.C. The pilot program becomes available in January for 500 invited families.

As if the week could get any better, Lyft’s customer base is also reportedly growing much faster than Uber’s. A newly released report shows that the company now controls over 28 percent of the rideshare market. While Uber still maintains a solid grip at 69.2 percent, they lost three percentage points to its biggest competitor. The news serves to further fuel the competitive fire between the two organizations.

Airbnb and Aimco Find Common Ground

Earlier this week, Airbnb and property management company Aimco announced they’ve reached a legal agreement after over a year of disputes. Last year, Aimco filed two lawsuits — one in California and one in Florida — against Airbnb for allowing tenants to rent out its Aimco properties through the platform.

The California case was dismissed in January, and now, Aimco has agreed to drop the Florida case after reaching a settlement with Airbnb.

Not all of the details are known, as the only information released came in the form of a joint statement. However, the two parties disclosed they’re planning to discuss future business partnerships pertaining to multifamily housing. Chalk this one up to Airbnb going lawsuit housecleaning prior to their IPO next year.

Upwork and Microsoft Partner Up for Freelancing Tool

Upwork and Microsoft have partnered to new create a free product offering called Microsoft 365 Freelance Toolkit. The system allows companies to give contractors access to internal tools all at once, as well as revoke them when the contract ends.

The toolkit also makes it easier for companies to find and hire Upwork contractors. While the product is designed with businesses in mind, it will assist freelancers in their collaborative efforts.

While rideshare dominated this week in on demand, there’s still plenty of time before the next round of holidays for other industries to make waves. Check back next week to stay up-to-date on the latest on demand happenings.

 

optOn Lyft Uber insurance

Your Guide to Opton Rideshare Insurance

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Auto insurance is a necessity for all drivers, but finding rideshare coverage can still be tricky if you Drive With Lyft or Uber.

Opton, a new rideshare insurance provider, is hoping to make getting coverage much easier, using an app based on demand approach.

What Is optOn Insurance?

Opton offers mobile (app based), on demand rideshare insurance policies for Lyft and Uber drivers. The app is available for Apple and Android phones.

Instead of requiring customers to sign up for six- or 12-month terms, its policies are set for four-hour increments.

 

Opton is available on demand through the app, so Lyft and Uber drivers are able to access short-term coverage instantly.

optOn Get Coverage

 

There are three policy tiers. Each offers traditional coverage areas, but they’re not designed to replace a traditional insurance policy. Instead, they work as a compliment to your personal coverage and that of the service you work with.

Where Is optOn Insurance Available?

Currently, the company only offers insurance for drivers in Illinois, but it has a plan for market expansion in the future.

How Does optOn Work?

Every micro policy is set for four hours of drive time, and once it’s activated, the app begins a countdown. However, you have the option to end coverage before the four-hour mark, as well as extend it as needed.

optOn Active Policy

 

The entire process takes place through the app, and changes are effective immediately.

The system sends a notification 15 minutes before each policy expires. At this time, you have the option to renew it before it ends. If you don’t make a selection, your coverage automatically stops when the timer on the screen runs out.

One of the coolest features of the app is the accident detection. If an accident occurs and is jarring enough to trigger the system, the app will guide you through what you need to do.

You can also file claims with Opton directly through the app or by calling the support number.

The Opton number to call in event of an accident is 866-789-5699.

What Does It Cost?

Opton charges not by time but by miles driven.

The app tracks your on-the-road movements to determine the final charges.

Before you select a policy, the app shows you the per-mile costs for each option. When you activate your desired plan, it locks in the mileage cost for the duration of the policy.

Rates

The micro-policy rates are determined by your vehicle and driving habits. Their algorithm also considers circumstantial factors, such as the time of day and location.

Once you activate a policy, Opton also puts a temporary $50 hold on your linked account. However, it’s automatically lifted once the coverage ends and the final charges are applied.

Fees

On top of the per-mile charge, drivers are charged a state-specific administration fee.

In Illinois, it’s set at $0.99. For policies that don’t end up reaching the $1 minimum, there’s also a premium charge – usually around $1.

These elements are pretty standard for insurance companies, but if you drive full-time for Lyft or Uber, you face around $4 in additional costs for an eight-hour shift. Over a week, that’s another $20 out of your profits on top of your insurance expenses.

Deductible

As with most auto coverage, there’s also a deductible. The out-of-pocket costs range from $500 to $1,000. Lower coverage is associated with a higher deductible and vice versa.

Opton Coverage Options

Opton offers three different levels of rideshare insurance: Primary, Preferred, and Premier.

All three tiers offer liability, collision, and medical coverage. They also include financial protection against uninsured motorists.

The biggest differences between Opton’s policy levels are the out-of-pocket costs and coverage limits. Here’s a closer look at each variation.

Primary

The Primary micro policy is the basic plan. It offers the lowest per-mile rates, but it’s also accompanied by a $1,000 deductible — the highest of all tiers.

Preferred

The Preferred micro policy is Opton’s mid-level coverage plan. The mileage rates are slightly higher than the Primary policy, but the deductible is only set at $750. On top of a lower deductible, the policy offers higher coverage limits than the lower plan.

optOn select insurance coverage

 

Premier

The Premier policy is designed to provide the maximum amount of protection through Opton. It’s associated with the highest per-mile rates, but it features the lowest deductible at $500. The individual coverage limits for liability, collision, and medical are all higher than the lower two tiers as well.

How to Sign Up for Opton

Opton makes purchasing micro-coverage incredibly easy. Start by downloading the Opton app for your Apple or Android phone and then follow these three steps.

Step 1: Create an Account

Opton requires your legal name, driver’s license number, vehicle VIN, and a payment method. The provider accepts debit and credit cards, but isn’t yet linked to PayPal.

 

Step 2: Evaluate Your Options

Once you’re in the system, it’s time to choose a policy. The app will show you options as well as the current per-mile rate. The amount shown is locked-in for the duration of the micro-coverage, so you don’t have to worry about rate increases as you drive.

Step 3: Make a Selection

After deciding on a plan, tap “purchase.” This initiates the policy countdown. When you’re done driving, simply tap “end coverage” and review your receipt. Or, if you approach the four-hour mark and still need to make more trips, tap “renew” before your time expires.

optOn And Choosing the Right Rideshare Insurance

Opton offers an innovative approach to rideshare insurance.

The coverage is customizable and convenient, and will likely appeal to part time Lyft and Uber drivers.

However, if ridesharing is your primary job, you may find traditional selections better in the long run.

Not sure which coverage style is right for your needs? Learn more about your options with our rideshare insurance guide.

 

Fingerhut / Shutterstock.comFingerhut / Shutterstock.com

“What’s in Your Back Seat?” Contest

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Do You Have The Best Back Seat Set Up?

Dec 11th-18th

Rideshare drivers are a creative bunch: disco balls, karaoke, iPads, and snacks are just a few fun frills drivers like yourself have added to their back seats. Passengers get a kick out of fun items or activities in their rideshare drivers’ vehicles. Savvy drivers like yourself might be seeing more cash in the bank, too, thanks to tipping.

At Rideshare Central, we want to reward your efforts if you have your back seat decked out. We’re giving away a $50 Amazon gift card to one lucky driver.

Show us your back seat!

Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Go to our Facebook page and find our contest post.

  2. Comment on the post and attach a picture of your cool backseat

  3. You can share the post with your friends on Facebook, and share the link to the post anywhere else (only if you would like to)! And if you would like, ask your friends to vote for your backseat by having them “like” or “love”  your original picture commented on the contest thread.

  4. We will accept votes until December 18th, 2018 at 11:59 pm

  5. The winner will be announced on Facebook on December 19th!

Here are the contest rules:

  • You must be at least 21 years old.

  • You must reside in the United States

  • You must be a rideshare driver for rideshare services such as Lyft and Uber.

  • You must comment on the original Facebook post with a picture of your own back seat.

  • You may vote for yourself (if you’d like).

  • Entering/posting  and voting is open now and will end on December 18th, 2018 at 11:59 pm

  • No giveaway or fake accounts allowed.

  • Do not DM or you will be disqualified.

  • This contest will run for one week and entries will be accepted until 12/12/18. The winner will be chosen by number of votes/likes on its respective picture, and will be announced on 12/19/18. Please allow us this time to verify all entries and choose a fair winner.

  • Host: Rideshare Central

  • Per Facebook rules, we must mention that this is in no way sponsored, administered, or associated with Facebook.

  • This giveaway is not sponsored by any of the brands shown. By entering, entrants confirm that they are 21 years of age, release Facebook of responsibility, and agree to Facebook’s terms of use. No purchase required and void where prohibited by law.

  • Any logos shown in the photo belong to the respective brands and no copyright infringement is intended.

  • Frequent unfollowers/negative comments will be disqualified from future contests. Good luck everyone!

 

Image Credit: Fingerhut / Shutterstock.com

 

limebike dockless bikes

Quick Guide To Lime And Lime Scooters

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LimeBike made waves with its launch in 2017 as one of the very first bikeshare ventures in the United States. Building on the model of rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft, they offer simpler and more affordable modes of in-city transportation. While their name seems to be everywhere (the company shortened it to Lime in 2018), not many people actually know the specifics of the company or the opportunities it offers. If you fall into this category, here’s everything you need to know about Lime and their services.

What Is Lime (And LimeBikes and Lime Scooters)?

LimeBikes are simply grab-and-go style bike rentals that you use for a small fee. With a dockless system, riders can locate available bikes in their area, unlock them for their journey, and then simply leave them at their destination. This process is convenient as well as affordable. However, Lime’s bikes are being phased out in favor of scooters, which have become far more popular.

For now, there are two styles of LimeBikes available: Smart Bikes and E-Assist.

Smart Bikes are traditional, pedal-powered bikes that are integrated into the company’s smart app system. Lime offers three variations of Smart Bikes: one-speed, three-speed (shown below), and eight-speed.

Limebike rental 3 speed

 

Electric Assist (or Lime-E) bikes, on the other hand, offer a boost of electric power. While you’ll still pedal, the battery increases your power and makes it easier to bike around the city. In fact, the Lime-E bikes can reach speeds of up to 14.8 mph.

If you want to try an actual Limebike, you should do it soon, as the company is phasing out bikes, in favor of scooters.

What Are Lime Scooters?

Known as the Lime-S (shown below), Lime Bike scooters are designed to make it even easier to get around a city with fast travel speeds and affordable costs. Riders can rent the scooters in the same manner as LimeBikes, but since they’re electric, there’s no manual labor involved.

Lime Bike Lime-S Scooter

 

Where Is Lime Available?

Lime is rapidly increasing their service areas. Currently, their main focus is on cities and college campuses. The states they’re operating in include:

  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Missouri
  • New York
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Texas
  • Washington
  • Washington D.C.

Their biggest operating area is California, and some states only offer the service in one or two major cities. Also, Lime-S isn’t available in all of the cities that currently offer LimeBike. However, the company is working to expand their service area quickly.

How Much Do LimeBike Rentals Cost?

LimeBike rentals are incredibly affordable. There’s a standard rate for each bike and scooter rental, but exact costs for each electric model vary by city. Here’s a breakdown of their pricing model:

  • Smart Bikes: Manual LimeBikes cost $1 for every 30 minutes of use. If you’re a student, professor, or staff member of a college or university, you only have to pay 50 cents for each half hour. To qualify for this discount, you need to set up your Lime rider account with a valid .edu email address.
  • Electric Assist Bikes: Lime’s electric assist bikes charge a $1 base cost with an additional fee for each minute of usage. The per-minute charge varies by location, but on average, it ends up at around 15 cents.
  • Lime-S: For Lime’s electric scooters, you’ll experience a pricing formula similar to the electric LimeBikes. There’s an initial fee of $1 to unlock the scooter, and then you’ll be charged a location-specific rate for every minute of use.

The company offers a special pricing program for frequent riders. LimePrme is a monthly pay tier that allows you to pay $29.95 for around $100 of LimeBike credits. College and university faculty can purchase a LimePrime membership for $14.95. However, this service is only available for traditional, pedal LimeBikes and not their electric counterparts or scooters.

You can use our LimeBike promo code – R2WAI74 – to get $3 in ride credits when you sign up. Click the button below to download the Limebike app and get started with your free Limebike rides.

Join LimeBike

 

How to Rent a LimeBike

Limebike escooter rental start screen

Renting a LimeBike or Lime-S scooter is even easier than requesting an Uber or Lyft. You’ll need to first download the Lime app from the iTunes store or Google Play.  After you open the app, it’ll request that you sign up for the service, and then you’ll be able to enter your payment information.

Limebike Smart Bike Rental - Payment Entry

To rent a LimeBike or scooter, you’ll need to find a bike on the map. Your current position is designated with a little blue dot while rentals in the area are identifiable by the green Lime logo.

Limebike E-Assist Map

Choose a nearby option and walk to it. Once you’ve arrived, you will scan the QR code on the back of the LimeBike seat or on the scooter’s handlebar. This step unlocks the vehicle and you can begin your journey. Here’s a short video that shows how to rent a LimeBike scooter.

The app will track your time, distance, location, and cost in real-time, so you’ll always know what your total expense is. When you’ve reached your destination, you simply park the bike or scooter in a safe location. For bikes, you’ll move the lock lever on the back tire to reset it. For scooters, you’ll click “Lock” on the app screen. You’ll see your total charges and trip summary on the app’s screen, so be sure to double-check that the cost is correct.

Everything You Need to Know About LimeBike Juicers

After launching their electric scooter service, the company needed assistance with recharging their equipment for the next day. This has created a new type of LimeBike job position, known as a “juicer.” Learn more about this side hustle and how you can benefit from it, below.

What Is a LimeBike Juicer?

LimeBike juicers drive around their service area to collect scooters for charging. They then take the scooters home and charge them overnight for a fee. For this particular LimeBike job, you’ll operate as an independent contractor, which means you have more freedom than a conventional position.

How To Be A Limebike Juicer

How Much Do Lime Bike Juicers Make?

Lime pays their juicers for each scooter they charge. This fee varies by area, but you’ll know the total payment available when you click the scooter on your in-app map. On average, you can expect to earn around $5 per charge. Initially, the company will provide you with three chargers, but you can feasibly charge more than three machines per night. They only require the scooters to reach a 95 percent charge before considering the job completed.

The more well-charged machines will take one to two hours to charge, while those with less juice need around five to seven hours. If you pick up six Lime Bike scooters — three that are mostly charged and three with a nearly depleted charge, you could potentially earn $30 or more per night.

How to Become a LimeBike Juicer

To join the LimeBike juicer community, you simply need to sign up on their website. For this process, you’ll provide personal information, contact information, and your vehicle type. The company requires each juicer to have a vehicle available to them to transport the scooters, such as a car, SUV, truck, or minivan. After reviewing your application, a member of the Lime team will contact you over the phone or through email. This conversation provides all of the information you need to know about the charging process and what the company expects from you as a juicer.

Once approved, you’ll be able to turn on “Juicer” mode in your LimeBike app. After 8 p.m., you can begin collecting scooters in your area and start charging them. The app will provide you a general area to drop off each scooter in the morning. All Lime-S equipment must be charged and placed back into the community by 7 a.m. After you’ve dropped off the scooter, you’ll click “Served” on the app and instantly see how much you’ve made.

The Future of LimeBikes and Lime-S Electric Scooters

LimeBikes and scooters make in-city travel convenient and affordable, but they also offer a money-making opportunity for locals. As the company expands, they’ll need more and more LimeBike juicers to keep up with demand. If you’re looking for a quick way to complement your income, scooter rental services, like Lime and Bird, provide a fantastic opportunity to earn money with minimal effort. Have you used LimeBike or Lime-S yet? We want to know how it went!

If Limebike isn’t in your area yet, you can request it here.

Uber Rewards vs. Lyft Rewards For Riders

Lyft Rewards vs. Uber Rewards: What You Need to Know

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Lyft and Uber are in a constant battle to attract new customers.

Recently, both companies announced subscription service options within days of each other.

Now, they’re fighting for the loyalty of rideshare passengers by launching rewards programs. Find out everything you need to know about Lyft Rewards and Uber Rewards in this guide.

What You Need to Know About the Lyft and Uber Rewards Programs

Both Lyft and Uber rewards programs mimic the schemes of many airline and hotel programs by using a point system. The more a customer utilizes the service, the more perks they earn.

While there are key differences between the two, the goal of each is the same – customer loyalty. In the rideshare industry, loyalty not only means higher revenue, but also translates to beating the competition.

The Ins and Outs of Lyft Rewards

Lyft was the first to announce their rider rewards program.

However, the company has remained incredibly quiet on the details. They’ve released that they’re piloting the program this month in a small number of markets, followed by a rollout to more territories in 2019.

The system is designed so that riders earn points for each dollar that they spend. Beyond that, public details are minimal, and Lyft has yet to offer a more comprehensive outline of the program.

Here’s a breakdown of what we do know thus far:

  • Limited launch in December
  • Limited user access at first—for an unknown time period
  • Points-based system
  • Free ride upgrades and discounted trips
  • In-app tracking

In the initial statement, the company mentions that the plan is ever-evolving to meet the needs of their customers.

The program is separate from Lyft’s Business Rewards, which offers credits and airline rewards to commercial clients. There’s a possibility that similar perks may become available in the new rewards program, but at this point, any reporting is mostly speculation.

The Ins and Outs of Uber Rewards

Uber has been much more straightforward about what their rewards program offers.

While the system is also based around earning points, it also takes a tiered approach by splitting earnings into levels, and offers points for orders through Uber Eats.

Uber Rewards Gold
Uber Rewards

 

Currently, the program is only available in these nine markets:

  • Atlanta
  • Denver
  • Miami
  • New Jersey
  • New York City
  • Philadelphia
  • San Diego
  • Tampa
  • Washington, D.C.

If it hasn’t yet launched in your area, you have the option to sign up for the Uber Rewards waitlist for a notification when it goes live.

The loyalty program is composed of three main elements: points, reward levels, and Uber Cash. Take a closer look at each separate component and how they interact with one another, below.

Points

According to the Uber Rewards program terms, every trip booked and meal ordered through Uber earns points for every qualifying dollar spent. However, this excludes tips, surcharges, and discounted portions of rides.

The Uber point system is broken into three tiers:

  • UberPool, Express Pool, Uber Eats: One point per dollar
  • UberX, UberXL, Select: Two points per dollar
  • Black, Black SUV: Three points per dollar

Once you’ve opted into the Uber Rewards program, your points will continue to accumulate.

If you earn enough, you reach new reward levels – each of which offers its own exclusive perks. However, e-bikes and e-scooters rented through Uber’s JUMP service aren’t yet included in the points system.

Reward Levels

Uber Rewards levels are split into four stages: Blue, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Once you hit a certain number of points, you level-up to the next tier. Here’s a closer look at each:

Blue

  • Level: 0 to 499 points
  • All points count toward the first Uber Cash goal

Gold

  • Level: 500 to 2499 points
  • Earn $5 in Uber Cash for every 500 points
  • Given priority response on support issues
  • Opportunity to avoid cancellation fees with a 15-minute rebooking window
Uber passenger flexible cancellation
Uber Flexible Cancellation

Platinum

  • Level: 2500 to 7499 points
  • Includes all the perks of Blue and Gold levels
  • Ability to lock in discounted rates on a set route
  • Given pick-up priority at airport departures

Diamond

  • Level: 7500+ points
  • Includes all the perks of Blue, Gold, and Platinum levels
  • Receive premium-level, around-the-clock support access
  • Access to UberX Diamond with top-rated drivers
  • Enjoy complimentary ride upgrades
  • Free Uber Eats delivery on three orders every six months

Uber Cash

As mentioned, all your ride and Uber Eats points help you earn Uber Cash. Riders also have the option to add their own money to their Uber Cash account. However, once converted into Uber Cash, the funds are only usable for qualifying rides and food orders on the platform.

Lyft Rewards vs. Uber Rewards: Who Wins?

It’s hard to judge both programs side-by-side because so little is currently known about Lyft Rewards. Lyft’s arrangement seems like it’s in a testing phase while Uber has launched a well-formed program.

Uber Rewards is already available in multiple markets, and the team has a plan for fast expansion. The rewards are incredibly alluring and the system is easy to understand.

As a rideshare passenger, Uber’s perks are simply much more appealing at this point.

While Uber may have this round in the bag, the war is far from over. Both companies have expected IPOs in 2019, so the competition is sure to result in more one-ups between the two enterprises.

In the end, passengers of both rideshare services are the real winners.