# In case you were wondering, Lyft sucks **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [February 27, 2015, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-case-you-were-wondering-lyft-sucks/713802 "2015-02-27T21:46:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Elemenopy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b5e925/32.png) [@Elemenopy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elemenopy)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2015, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-case-you-were-wondering-lyft-sucks/713802/61 "2015-03-01T05:11:21Z")
Sorry your Lyft experience sucked. I’ve read about Lyft and Uber quite a bit in anticipation of my next trip to Chicago or wherever, but haven’t had the opportunity yet. I will say, however, as someone who doesn’t drive (story for a thread I’m not ready for right now) AND has unfortunately lived in several smaller cities the past while…the last time I had to take a Yellow Pages-listed cab, about 2010: I had a very important Dr. appointment and no other means of transport, made the arrangements far ahead of time, and had a no-show. Called at least 5 times to get a car out to me. No one cared. I called a \*second \* car service. No one showed from there, either. It was almost as if they both were fronts for some other sort of business, swear to God, because I never got a cab. Missed my appointment, obviously. That was from a city of 80,000 or so population. There were dispatchers answering the phones, so I dunno. I wish there had been an “unlicensed” service like Uber or Lyft (or I had known about it) at the time…random college kid at least probably would have gotten there eventually, and I would have paid him and given him some cookies or something. You know? ---
**Author:** ![The\_Niply\_Elder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8e8cbc/32.png) [@The\_Niply\_Elder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Niply_Elder)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2015, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-case-you-were-wondering-lyft-sucks/713802/62 "2015-03-01T05:45:56Z")
My experience with Uber has been pretty awesome all around. I can see some benefits to the guild-restrictions mentioned derisively upthread, as I’ve had a couple of drivers who pulled a couple of questionable moves, so it seems that with the huge explosion in business they are accepting inexperienced drivers. I hope this changes with time. On the other hand cars are generally pretty awesome, even with UberX I’ve been picked up in BMWs Acuras, etc. the worst was an oldish mid 00s minivan. And yes the surge pricing exists, and I’ve had to pay it a couple times around 8-9 am rush LA traffic. The app makes the surge pricing multiplier shown upfront when you get the fare estimate, and the app makes you punch in the multiplier with the keyboard to confirm you understand the terms. Seems fair to me. Another plus for Uber: quick resolution and refunding when there is a tech snafu, like when the app booked a driver who was already with another customer, the driver called me explained the situation, and the system incorrectly charged me for a ride. It was refunded same day and another driver showed up within minutes. Yay for technology. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2015, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-case-you-were-wondering-lyft-sucks/713802/63 "2015-03-01T06:27:04Z")
> [@MeanOldLady](#): > > You don’t know anyone who’s ever taken a cab? Or you do, and the people you know are still trapped in 1998 and haven’t heard of ride apps? Or maybe you’re just old? My mother has never used Uber, but she’s 70. Wow. It’s the first time anybody has called _me_ a technophobe. Well, I guess you just consider me old. I mean, I _have_ heard of ride apps: in the context of “someone tried to import one, but when they were hit with a hardcover copy of every regulation they were in breach of, they backpedaled.” ETA: hadn’t seen the mod notes. But if someone can call “anybody who hasn’t used their favorite gizmo” an old coot, this old coot reserves the right to respond. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2015, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-case-you-were-wondering-lyft-sucks/713802/64 "2015-03-01T13:59:20Z")
> [@jz78817](#): > > _shrug_ I don’t know anyone who’s ever used Uber or Lyft either. Me neither. But of course I’m old. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2015, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-case-you-were-wondering-lyft-sucks/713802/65 "2015-03-01T15:28:04Z")
> [@panache45](#): > > Me neither. But of course I’m old. :rolleyes: I’ve use Uber a time or two, and I don’t recall ever making it a point to announce that fact to all my friends. ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2015, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-case-you-were-wondering-lyft-sucks/713802/66 "2015-03-01T17:12:30Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > In my experience Uber, especially the levels above UberX are very nice and nowhere near as sketchy as a cab. The divers are better behaved (less cell phone talking) are better drivers, and the cars are in _much_ better condition than the vast majority of cabs I’ve been in. We often get offered bottles of water and some have all the cords you might want to charge your phones. It’s like a private limo service, compared to a cab, which feels like a personal mass transit bus. Right. I only mess with UberX if I’m in a city that does not have the ‘original’ Uber town car service. I will say the few times I’ve used UberX or Lyft, the service has been very good. Those drivers compete for high ratings from their passengers, so I’ve come to expect a very clean car, water and snacks as well as a personable driver. ---
**Author:** ![LurkerInNJ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ed655f/32.png) [@LurkerInNJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LurkerInNJ)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2015, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-case-you-were-wondering-lyft-sucks/713802/67 "2015-03-01T17:16:27Z")
> [@Elemenopy](#): > > Sorry your Lyft experience sucked. I’ve read about Lyft and Uber quite a bit in anticipation of my next trip to Chicago or wherever, but haven’t had the opportunity yet. I will say, however, as someone who doesn’t drive (story for a thread I’m not ready for right now) AND has unfortunately lived in several smaller cities the past while…the last time I had to take a Yellow Pages-listed cab, about 2010: I had a very important Dr. appointment and no other means of transport, made the arrangements far ahead of time, and had a no-show. Called at least 5 times to get a car out to me. No one cared. I called a \*second \* car service. No one showed from there, either. It was almost as if they both were fronts for some other sort of business, swear to God, because I never got a cab. Missed my appointment, obviously. That was from a city of 80,000 or so population. There were dispatchers answering the phones, so I dunno. I wish there had been an “unlicensed” service like Uber or Lyft (or I had known about it) at the time…random college kid at least probably would have gotten there eventually, and I would have paid him and given him some cookies or something. You know? You can see on both apps how many drivers are near your pick-up location, and when a driver accepts your fare (depending on which service) you get their name, a photo of the driver and their car or just their name and a photo of their car and plate. When you open the app you can see how many vehicles are near your location. If no one accepts, the app tells you right away. No guessing. I take public transportation for the most part, but Uber and Lyft have replaced a lot of my taxi rides. Doesn’t Chicago have cabs you can hail on the street? ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2015, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-case-you-were-wondering-lyft-sucks/713802/68 "2015-03-01T17:35:58Z")
> [@Shakes](#): > > I’ve use Uber a time or two, and I don’t recall ever making it a point to announce that fact to all my friends. **panache45** won’t remember making such an announcement…being old & all. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2015, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-case-you-were-wondering-lyft-sucks/713802/69 "2015-03-01T17:52:57Z")
> [@LurkerInNJ](#): > > Doesn’t Chicago have cabs you can hail on the street? Chicago does, but depending on where you are, you may be waiting a mighty long time, if you ever see them at all. ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2015, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-case-you-were-wondering-lyft-sucks/713802/70 "2015-03-01T19:33:36Z")
> [@Nava](#): > > Wow. > > It’s the first time anybody has called _me_ a technophobe. Well, I guess you just consider me old. I mean, I _have_ heard of ride apps: in the context of “someone tried to import one, but when they were hit with a hardcover copy of every regulation they were in breach of, they backpedaled.” > > ETA: hadn’t seen the mod notes. But if someone can call “anybody who hasn’t used their favorite gizmo” an old coot, this old coot reserves the right to respond. Nobody goddamn cares how you get around town, or how your friends get around town, or whether or not rideshare apps are a thing where you live. But if you act like rideshare apps are some newfangled gizmo for the kids, then yes, you are an old coot and should not participate in this conversation. And yes, both Uber and Lyft have increased rates during peak hours, which is kind of annoying, but they let you know upfront, so it’s not like you get home and find yourself having paid thrice what you expected. And I generally don’t use those apps during those times. If I need a ride, that’s one of the few times I’ll hail a cab. ---
**Author:** ![LibrarySpy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f9ae1b/32.png) [@LibrarySpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LibrarySpy)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2015, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-case-you-were-wondering-lyft-sucks/713802/71 "2015-03-01T20:04:36Z")
I live in a small suburb of a small city and I love Uber. Sounds like Lyft doesn’t have as many nice features in their app. Especially the car upgrades. When I’m in a bigger city I black car it all the way. I’m not sure cabs even exist here. I never see them, that’s for sure. And goddamn, tip your drivers. I would love if Uber had a tip feature, because otherwise I have to pre-plan and have cash on me. My mother thinks Uber drivers are just waiting to murder me, but I’m happy to have my drunk ass delivered home by so-far safe and friendly drivers. ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2015, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-case-you-were-wondering-lyft-sucks/713802/72 "2015-03-01T20:33:17Z")
> [@LibrarySpy](#): > > Sounds like Lyft doesn’t have as many nice features in their app. Especially the car upgrades. When I’m in a bigger city I black car it all the way. Lyft has Lyft plus, which gives you a larger luxury car. I think they’re all SUVs, though. (I’ve never used it.) Nice for large parties, sure, but what if you just want an upgrade without a giant tank being involved? So the car upgrade options in Uber are another example of what Uber does better than Lyft. I’m starting to sound like an advertisement, for a company that doesn’t need my shilling, no less. Unless I’m wrong about Lyft Plus being all SUVs, in which case disregard and replace with lament about them not having an option to select a larger car. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2015, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-case-you-were-wondering-lyft-sucks/713802/73 "2015-03-01T20:42:21Z")
> [@LibrarySpy](#): > > And goddamn, tip your drivers. I would love if Uber had a tip feature, because otherwise I have to pre-plan and have cash on me. > > . part of the charm of Uber is “no tips.” It’s included. I probably hand the driver a $5 about half the time (if I have one on me). They always seem surprised. ---
**Author:** ![Ruken](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f475e1/32.png) [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2015, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-case-you-were-wondering-lyft-sucks/713802/74 "2015-03-01T21:05:43Z")
> [@madmonk28](#): > > In DC, Uber is a must. DC cab drivers are scum and straight up refuse to take people to their destinations, or accept credit cards (all of which are a violation of the law). I also have a low opinion of DC cabs. Some companies prefer their employees to use taxis, not Uber. But the Uber app will summon a regular cab. These tend to be nicer than the average DC cab. I looked up Lyft. Apparently it’s available in DC, but I don’t recall anyone I know mentioning using it. I haven’t found anything with a city-by-city breakdown of the two companies. I don’t really use hired cars of any type when I’m home, other than to go to and from the airport. My first time using Uber was in San Francisco, where it’s ubiquitous. ---
**Author:** ![Idle\_Thoughts](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/838e76/32.png) [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2015, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-case-you-were-wondering-lyft-sucks/713802/75 "2015-03-01T22:49:17Z")
> [@panache45](#): > > Me neither. But of course I’m old. :rolleyes: > [@Nava](#): > > Wow. > > It’s the first time anybody has called _me_ a technophobe. Well, I guess you just consider me old. I mean, I _have_ heard of ride apps: in the context of “someone tried to import one, but when they were hit with a hardcover copy of every regulation they were in breach of, they backpedaled.” > > ETA: hadn’t seen the mod notes. But if someone can call “anybody who hasn’t used their favorite gizmo” an old coot, this old coot reserves the right to respond. I’m not going to warn you both here, because I recognize it was in reply to things actually said in this thread (as opposed to just coming in randomly and taking a dump in a post), **but take all hostility and problems with other posters posts to the Pit.** That goes for everyone in this topic, including the OP, before and after this post. Beyond this post, anything that is like this or that continues the “I don’t use these apps/never heard of them” will be warned. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2015, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-case-you-were-wondering-lyft-sucks/713802/76 "2015-03-02T04:19:55Z")
Beyond this post, anything that is like this or that continues the “I don’t use these apps/never heard of them” will be warned. [/QUOTE] [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=18173639#post18173639](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=18173639#post18173639) ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2015, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-case-you-were-wondering-lyft-sucks/713802/77 "2015-03-02T04:40:46Z")
I quoted the wrong post. Man, I need to stop digging… ---
**Author:** ![SeaDragonTattoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2015, 7:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-case-you-were-wondering-lyft-sucks/713802/78 "2015-03-02T07:31:08Z")
Anyway, thanks **MOL** , for the Uber notes. I haven’t used it yet, but my last phone update installed it and I’ve been periodically considering setting up an account just in case. I live so close to the Red Line and four bus routes that I rarely need a cab, and also tend to end up in bars in busy enough neighborhoods that I can just walk out and hail a cab so it just hasn’t come up. It is definitely a consideration, though, that I don’t have to wait for credit card processing at the end of the ride or bother with tipping - these streamlines just may get me to try an Uber ride or two this Thursday for an event. ---
**Author:** ![Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/try2b_comprehensive/32/65_2.png) [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2015, 7:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-case-you-were-wondering-lyft-sucks/713802/79 "2015-03-02T07:33:30Z")
My story: I kicked the stock market’s ass. I bought a new car. My friends were like, “That would make a great Uber car!” I was like, “What is Uber!?” I looked it up and was grateful to have friends smarter/more informed than I. It _would_ make a great Uber car! So I signed up, and I drive UberX now and then to supplement my (barely) 6-figure income. If it is icy and/or snowing, forget it, sorry, I am off duty. I am off duty most of the time anyway, so no big loss. But some nights I figure, why not make some extra cash driving my awesome new car around? Well, some of the people who use UberX are not normal. Going to the concert, they are dropping acid or eating some molly or doing other drugs in my back seat. Sometimes they are close to overdosing or so wasted they can hardly walk. But they need rides, and sometimes they are super-normal people with huge educations and careers who can be coaxed to tell me all about it. It is kind of an adventure, and hey, my car is awesome! ---
**Author:** ![drewtwo99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d07c76/32.png) [@drewtwo99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewtwo99)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2015, 9:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-case-you-were-wondering-lyft-sucks/713802/80 "2015-03-02T09:18:14Z")
If uber is cheaper than a taxi then I shudder to think how expensive Taxis regularly are in Houston. I never use them, but recently tried uber to get to the airport. It was nearly double the cost of a supershuttle, the service I usually use for work trips to the airport. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-case-you-were-wondering-lyft-sucks/713802.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-case-you-were-wondering-lyft-sucks/713802.md?page=5)