Here's how Uber and Lyft drivers try to get customers to tip — even though it only happens on a quarter of rides

Tech Insider : Economy
Rideshare driver helps woman with luggage.
Drivers for Uber and Lyft told BI that helping with luggage doesn't lead to consistent tips. Drivers in the story aren't pictured.

Igor Alecsander

Uber and Lyft drivers are desperate for tips. Riders don't shell out, but they'll tip three times as often for food delivery.

Tech Insider : Economy
Uber driver Estaphanie St. Just joins drivers for ride-hailing giants Uber and Lyft, as they hold a rally at a park near Los Angeles International Airport, Wednesday, May, 8, 2019, in Los Angeles.
Ride-hailing drivers receive tips from just a quarter of rides, according to Gridwise data.

AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes

Lyft's CEO faces pushback after driving for the app and posting about how great it was

Tech Insider : Economy
Lyft CEO David Risher standing in front of a gray wall with a white Lyft logo behind him.
Lyft CEO David Risher drove three trips for the ride-hailing app in Napa Valley, California.

Michael Liedtke/The Associated Press

Gig work is the new Ellis Island for immigrants looking for work. But many drivers feel trapped in the long hours and low pay.

Tech Insider : Economy
South Beach, Miami
Many recent immigrants to the US rely on gig driving for Uber and Lyft.

Noah Sheidlower

As high-paying jobs become harder to get, more Americans are looking to Uber and Lyft for extra income

Tech Insider : Economy, Economy
uber lyft driver
New Bank of America Institute data reveals gig driving continues to get more popular.

Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

A full-time Cleveland Uber driver who took home $17,000 in 2023 shares why the full-time gig isn't worth the money anymore

Tech Insider : Economy, Economy
Uber driver in car driving gig
A full-time Cleveland Uber says none of his driving strategies have provided him the results he was hoping for. The driver in the story is not pictured.

Jeff Greenberg/Getty Images

A millennial Lyft driver who used the gig to explore all 50 states explains his strategies for maximizing earnings and tips

Tech Insider : Economy
Kreskin J. Torres eating BBQ and Hawaiian food.
Kreskin J. Torres has traveled to all 50 states thanks to Uber and Lyft driving.

Kreskin J. Torres

A Florida Uber driver who makes $3,000 a month to supplement her healing business said driving is fulfilling but a headache: 'I'm flying by the seat of the algorithm'

Tech Insider : Economy
Hiedi Handford stands by her car
Hiedi Handford drives part-time in the Fort Lauderdale area.

Noah Sheidlower

An Uber and Lyft driver explains how he sometimes makes over $8,000 a week doing private rides in Miami and Fort Lauderdale for celebrities, politicians, and sports stars

Tech Insider : Economy
South Beach, Miami
Trent T. made nearly $200,000 last year doing private rides in South Florida.

Noah Sheidlower

A month's pay in one week: South Florida Uber and Lyft drivers explain how they capitalize on the spring break rush despite 'a little sand' and 'crappy music'

Tech Insider : Economy
Trent T. stands by his car
Trent T. pulled in $8,200 in one week this spring break, mostly doing private rides.

Noah Sheidlower

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