Lyft

[Cock Throppled]

I've never needed a ride sharing app because we don't have them (officially) in Vancouver, but I downloaded, and regiistered with Lyft, anticipating them starting up this year.

I don't remember seeing mention of a charge while I was signing up, so was surprised to see $1.00 charged for doing so.

Is this normal for Lyft elsewhere? If so, what's the justification?

Does Uber do a similar gouge?

 

[licks2nite]

Why download so soon, the app may need updating by the time you want to hail.

 

[Newb808]

Check for a credit. Not uncommon for companies with postpaid services like Lyft, Uber and Grab to do this to check that the card isn’t maxed/ is legit.

 

[Riza]

From the Lyft website

When you create a Lyft account, update your payment method, or request a ride, you may see a pending transaction in addition to your ride charge on your payment method. This isn't an extra charge, but a temporary authorization we use to verify your payment method.

https://help.lyft.com/hc/en-ca/articles/115012925707-I-was-charged-incorrectly

 

[Cock Throppled]

From the Lyft website

When you create a Lyft account, update your payment method, or request a ride, you may see a pending transaction in addition to your ride charge on your payment method. This isn't an extra charge, but a temporary authorization we use to verify your payment method.

https://help.lyft.com/hc/en-ca/articles/115012925707-I-was-charged-incorrectly

Thanks, Riza. It doesn't say "pending" on the email sent to me, but might on my CC statement, I guess.

I registered now because I'll be travelling to a city where I might be able to use it.

 

[badbadboy]

The $1 charge is normal for CC companies to do as a test to ensure is not a stolen or fraudulent card.

Sometimes credit card companies immediately flag the $1 as a fraud attempt. I got my Amex canceled a few weeks ago since the $1 was in Euros and they couldn’t confirm the company easily.

In most US cities, you’ll see Uber cars also have a Lyft logo too.

 

[uncleg]

The $1 charge is normal for CC companies to do as a test to ensure is not a stolen or fraudulent card.

Sometimes credit card companies immediately flag the $1 as a fraud attempt. I got my Amex canceled a few weeks ago since the $1 was in Euros and they couldn’t confirm the company easily.

In most US cities, you’ll see Uber cars also have a Lyft logo too.

Just have to go to Bellingham to see that.....mostly because they can't make a living at it without working for both. Unlike the companies claims that this is just a part-time gig to help the bills, for over 90% of the drivers this is how they make a living. Once they get rolling here you'll find that's the case here as well, but because of the regulations they won't be able to do it.

Unlike other jurisdictions the companies here will have to apply for a licence, which means, NSC number and PT number will have to be on the licence and insurance. This in turn means that they can only work for one company..get caught trying to work for two and you are looking at fines of up to $50,000.00.

They will have a "flag rate" same as the taxis but the running kilometer rate will be a bit lower....however unlike the taxis surge pricing will apply. So, busy nights don't expect a quicker or cheaper ride from Uber or Lyft...at this point I don't see them having the capacity.

 

[Newb808]

...however unlike the taxis surge pricing will apply. So, busy nights don't expect a quicker or cheaper ride from Uber or Lyft...at this point I don't see them having the capacity.

All the local taxi regulations will certainly make ride sharing even less viable than it already is in other jurisdictions, but the surge pricing model means you can get a ride ASAP on NYE or other busy times, but it will cost 2-4 as much as normal depending on demand.

 

[badbadboy]

All the local taxi regulations will certainly make ride sharing even less viable than it already is in other jurisdictions, but the surge pricing model means you can get a ride ASAP on NYE or other busy times, but it will cost 2-4 as much as normal depending on demand.

There will be competition finally. Nights of not getting a taxi ride that was booked in advance will be over. I had this happen with two Christmas parties in a row. The dispatch are trained to outright lie to you “ your ride will be there in 15 min”. And the rides never came.

Or like the time I didn’t have enough cash on me and the driver refused plastic. The SOB pulled up to an ATM and wasn’t moving til I had cash in hand.

I think there will be a huge support for Uber and Lyft because of the way Taxi companies have allowed such pathetic service. Taxi companies will be forced to improve or lose the market share.

All my ride share experiences in six US states have been excellent.

 

[Newb808]

I think there will be a huge support for Uber and Lyft because of the way Taxi companies have allowed such pathetic service. Taxi companies will be forced to improve or lose the market share.

All my ride share experiences in six US states have been excellent.

Agree absolutely. Since we’re in Vancouver though, I just can’t imagine the base rates will be all that much better than cabs, but the service and vehicles sure as hell will be. The two way rating system helps keep drivers and passengers accountable plus you can pay for a premium or economy vehicle. I’ve had nothing but great experiences in the US, Mexico and Philippines with ride shares as well. You don’t even need to know how to say the name of the place you’re going. It’s great!

 

[uncleg]

Agree absolutely. Since we’re in Vancouver though, I just can’t imagine the base rates will be all that much better than cabs, but the service and vehicles sure as hell will be. The two way rating system helps keep drivers and passengers accountable plus you can pay for a premium or economy vehicle. I’ve had nothing but great experiences in the US, Mexico and Philippines with ride shares as well. You don’t even need to know how to say the name of the place you’re going. It’s great!

As mentioned before...base rate will be the same as cabs....service and vehicles being better, in theory.....reality another story. Uber/Lyft want nothing more then two years old to start, PTB is saying vehicles can only be seven years old...so two years old to start means you get five years use. Vehicles will need safety inspections, currently every six months...new regulations will be based on mileage....if you use your vehicle for Uber/Lyft, both working and personal usage miles will count. That tail light you ignore for a week or so can get you kicked off the road if you use your vehicle for ride hailing.....

It's going to be tough for them to get going and to survive and don't be surprised if your Uber driver of today, is the your cabbie of yesterday.

 

[Cock Throppled]

Must say I'm not a big fan of companies like Uber, who seem to rip off their drivers. Lyft might be the same, but there's no denying the taxi companies have abused their power, presumably because of political clout, and need a wake-up call.

Even if taxi drivers decide to work for the ride sharing companies, they will probably need to be more responsive to customer needs.

With cabs - Had a disabled family member miss medical appointments a couple of times, even after we booked a handicap cab a week in advance. Had drivers on their cell phone for an entire ride. Had cabs that reeked of cigarette smoke.

 

[Newb808]

With the exception of late night departures and arrivals at YVR, I seldom use cabs here in the lower mainland. When I do though, they almost always are at the very least untidy but usually far worse. At 6’ 5”, I’m not a fan of sitting in the back seat of a Prius, especially one with a hard shell plastic bench that smells like disinfectant and other off putting aromas. I’m not sure what the cost will be up here, but with Uber Black you can get a nice newer clean full size sedan or SUV for a bit more than a local cab, elsewhere in the world that is of course. Probably won’t smell like garbage either.
I don’t like the idea of professional drivers earning less to the benefit of the wealthy, but the industry needs to be shaken up here. Inevitably, taxi service as we have known it is on its way out. Those who want to try to preserve their own living standards in the industry will have to adapt just as so many others in different sectors.

 

[Uncled]

I'm looking forward to the day that self-driving taxis hit the road.

Remember Johnny Cab from the movie Total Recall?

 

[storm rider]

I have never Uber or Lyft yet.Both are operating in Calgary and they have made a huge impact on the taxi industry.Those little taxi plates that are so heavily regulated sell for a lot less on the secondary market than say 6 years ago.
If say on a Friday night I have had a few beers and wish to hit the casino I of course call a cab and I allways use the same company and I usually get the same driver and he is OK with me smoking as he does.Have had a lot of
conversations with him and the taxi industry has taken a huge hit from the downturn in the economy and with the addition of ride hailing it has become worse.

The taxi drivers have to pay for commercial insurance etc as well as maintain a class 4 license so I prefer to give them my business.

SR

 

[LADY-VIA]

I've never needed a ride sharing app because we don't have them (officially) in Vancouver, but I downloaded, and regiistered with Lyft, anticipating them starting up this year.

I don't remember seeing mention of a charge while I was signing up, so was surprised to see $1.00 charged for doing so.

Is this normal for Lyft elsewhere? If so, what's the justification?


Does Uber do a similar gouge?

makes sense... taxis have a base charge... The taxi company downtown. Black top near my place, is getting the boot. I was told that the lease is up and they are getting moved out. Probably in anticipation for uber and Lyft , and it's probaly the only piece of prime propery left to develop, without tearing something big down.

 

[uncleg]

I have never Uber or Lyft yet.Both are operating in Calgary and they have made a huge impact on the taxi industry.Those little taxi plates that are so heavily regulated sell for a lot less on the secondary market than say 6 years ago.
If say on a Friday night I have had a few beers and wish to hit the casino I of course call a cab and I allways use the same company and I usually get the same driver and he is OK with me smoking as he does.Have had a lot of
conversations with him and the taxi industry has taken a huge hit from the downturn in the economy and with the addition of ride hailing it has become worse.

The taxi drivers have to pay for commercial insurance etc as well as maintain a class 4 license so I prefer to give them my business.

SR

Current plan here is that Uber/Lyft will also have to maintain Class 4 DL....Commercial Insurance will kick in when there is a passenger in the vehicle, plan is to have that also apply to taxis which will bring their insurance costs down.