Smartphones changed the necessity for home telephones, GPS navigation changed using conventional maps, digital cameras changed traditional movie cameras, and Uber and Lyft have virtually fully outgrown the taxi enterprise. That is due to the convenience of use and attain these functions have attained. Resulting from their user-friendly design, aggressive pricing, and security options (not often present in taxis), these two apps have amassed a big client base. They’re deemed respected and reliable when needing a trip, whether or not at residence or away on trip.
The thought and eventual technique of doing one thing new could be daunting, scary or anxiety-inducing, however on the finish of it, you come out with new superpowers. Your new superpower at present shall be utilizing Uber or Lyft and saving some money.
What’s Uber?

Uber is a prime ride-sharing platform on the Google Play Retailer and App Retailer. (Kurt Knutsson)
Uber is among the top-rated ride-sharing platforms on the Google Play Retailer and app retailer, seemingly from its giant and dependable buyer base and its availability in over 900 metropolitan areas worldwide.
iPhone: 4.8 stars (at time of publishing)
Android: 4.7 stars (at time of publishing)

These apps let odd individuals who search to earn additional money change into drivers throughout their spare time. (Kurt Knutsson)
Whereas taxis and Ubers differ in some ways, a important distinguishing part is Uber makes use of odd individuals, like your postman, waiter, and even your kid’s trainer, who search to earn additional money by changing into drivers throughout their spare time. This doesn’t imply that Uber hires simply anybody; they conduct thorough background checks and high quality inspections on automobiles to make sure candidates align with security and customer support requirements.
Though taxis have labored advantageous over time, Uber tends to be higher priced with an upfront charge moderately than a value primarily based on a meter. They’ve customized picks to suit your wants higher; they supply dependable estimates on their arrival time, and it is all accessible with a couple of swipes in your Android or iPhone. The platform permits riders to request rides, observe their driver’s progress, and pay/tip for the trip by way of the app.
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The best way to hail an Uber
Step 1: Obtain the Uber app. Do not be intimidated. This half is tremendous simple. Go to the app retailer in your iPhone or Google Play Retailer in your Android gadget, seek for “Uber,” and obtain the app.
Step 2: Join. Step one is the toughest, now simply comply with the prompts. To enroll in an Uber account, enter your telephone quantity first, your title, electronic mail deal with, and cost data. Don’t fear your information is secure. If you have already got an account, log in along with your electronic mail deal with and password.
Step 3: Set your pick-up location. You’ll be able to manually enter your pickup location by deciding on the highest bar or by permitting the app to make use of your present website. You too can add a vacation spot you probably have one.

This is the right way to hail a trip on Uber. (Kurt Knutsson)
Step 4: Select your trip. Now time for some enjoyable. You may be given numerous trip choices, akin to UberX, Uber Pool, UberXL. Choose the one that matches your wants.

These are the Uber choices that could be accessible to you. (Kurt Knutsson)
Step 5: Affirm your trip. As soon as you’ve got chosen, verify the main points and choose “Request.”
Step 6: Wait to your driver. Don’t get lost or dilly-dally. The app will present your driver’s estimated arrival time. Wait on the designated pickup location to your driver to reach.
Step 7: As soon as your driver arrives, get within the automobile and take pleasure in your trip. The app will present you the path to your vacation spot and the estimated arrival time.
Step 8: Pay and charge your driver: When you arrive at your vacation spot, the app will verify your complete and provide the alternative to tip through the app. You too can charge your driver you probably have any suggestions. The fare shall be charged to the cost technique you offered throughout sign-up.
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Now that you simply’re signed up, a couple of picks are at your disposal should you want further providers throughout your trip. From wheelchair accessibility to a bigger automobile to using in luxurious, Uber offers a number of choices to cater to your funds or wants. Though, in my private expertise, the usual possibility tends to be every part you may ever want at an inexpensive charge.
Which Uber automobile possibility is greatest for you?
- UberX: That is the usual trip possibility and the most well-liked selection for many Uber riders. It’s a non-public trip in a four-door automobile that may accommodate as much as 4 passengers. Commonplace pricing, nonetheless, tends to be cheaper than a taxi.
- UberXL: This selection is for bigger teams of as much as six passengers or you probably have a ton of bags. It’s additionally a personal trip simply in a bigger automobile, akin to an SUV or minivan. As a result of additional area, nonetheless, this choice will seemingly price greater than a typical UberX.
- UberBLACK: Feeling fancy? That is Uber’s premium trip possibility. It’s a luxurious trip in a high-end automobile, akin to a black sedan or SUV. As you possibly can think about, this selection is costlier than UberX and UberXL.
- UberSELECT: That is one other premium trip possibility that’s inexpensive than UberBLACK however costlier than UberX. It’s a luxurious trip in a high-end automobile like a BMW or Mercedes-Benz.
- UberX Shared: This trip possibility is a shared trip with different Uber riders who’re moving into the identical course. You’re mainly “carpooling” with as much as three further passengers who shall be picked up and dropped off alongside the best way. This selection is inexpensive than the opposite trip choices, however it might take longer to achieve your vacation spot because of the shared trip.
- UberWAV: This trip possibility is for passengers who require a wheelchair-accessible automobile. It’s all the time priced on the identical charge as an UberX.
- UberASSIST: This trip possibility is for passengers who require additional help, akin to assist getting out and in of the automobile. It’s all the time priced on the identical charge as an UberX.
Past all of that, there are even a couple of extra choices, akin to Uber Español (offers the rider with a Spanish-speaking driver), Uber Pet (this selection permits the rider to deliver alongside their furry good friend), and Uber electrical.
With so many decisions, one may start to really feel overwhelmed. In that case, I’d persist with the traditional UberX, and it will seemingly get the job accomplished with out the stress of ready on a taxi. Fortunately, nonetheless, Uber isn’t a monopoly, so if costs or providers aren’t passable, you possibly can all the time take your online business to its arch-enemy, Lyft.
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What’s Lyft?

Lyft is one other very talked-about ride-sharing app. (Kurt Knutsson)
Lyft is arguably the second hottest ride-sharing app on the Google Play Retailer and app retailer.
iPhone: 4.9 stars (at time of publishing)
Android: 4.0 stars (at time of publishing)

You will see Lyft’s interface seems totally different from Uber’s in some methods. (Kurt Knutsson)
Whereas Uber’s design is a little more buttoned-up and modern, Lyft’s is way more colourful and bubbly. From scorching pink and goofy mustaches (it was a advertising and marketing stunt), Lyft sought to set itself aside from Uber; nonetheless, the similarities remained distinct, besides that whereas Uber is on the market worldwide, Lyft is on the market in over 600 cities in america and Canada.
Like Uber, nonetheless, Lyft presents upfront pricing, dependable arrival time estimates, and security options to make sure a greater trip. Every little thing from requesting the trip, monitoring the journey, and paying/ tipping the motive force is finished by way of the app and mirrors the simplicity of Uber.
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The best way to hail a Lyft?
Step 1: Obtain the Lyft app. Putting in the app is easy. Go to the app retailer in your iPhone or Google Play retailer in your Android gadget, search “Lyft,” or the actually vibrant pink app, and obtain.
Step 2: Hearth up the app. Open Lyft, then comply with the prompts. To enroll, enter your title, telephone quantity, electronic mail deal with, and cost data (bank cards are advisable over debit playing cards). The app will solely cost you should you request a trip. If you have already got an account, log in along with your electronic mail deal with and password.
Step 3: Set pickup location and vacation spot. Choose the big search bar on the backside of your display. As soon as chosen, the highest bar is your pickup location, which you’ll be able to manually alter by clicking it and typing in a selected deal with, whereas the underside possibility is reserved to your vacation spot, which should be entered.

That is the right way to order a trip on Lyft. (Kurt Knutsson)
Step 4: Select your trip. For those who’re using solo, or with a big group, that is the time to make the motive force conscious of your wants. You may be given numerous trip choices, akin to Lyft, Lyft XL, Lyft shared. Choose the one that matches your necessities greatest.

Listed here are the trip choices that could be accessible to you on Lyft. (Kurt Knutsson)
Step 5: Affirm your trip. As soon as you’ve got chosen, verify the main points and choose “Request.”
Step 6: Wait to your driver. The app will present your driver’s estimated arrival time. Wait on the designated pickup location to your driver to reach.
Step 7: Get pleasure from your trip. As soon as your driver arrives, get within the automobile and revel in your trip. The app will present you the path to your vacation spot and the estimated arrival time.
Step 8: Pay and charge your driver. When you arrive at your vacation spot, the app will verify the full to your trip after which will comply with up with an choice to tip your driver. You’ll be able to then charge your driver and supply suggestions. The fare shall be charged to the cost technique you offered throughout sign-up.
Like Uber, Lyft presents an array of trip decisions to suit your private wants. (Like Uber, nonetheless, now we have solely wanted an ordinary Lyft or, at most, a Lyft XL for when accompanying a big group.)
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Which Lyft trip possibility is greatest for you?
- Lyft: That is the traditional trip possibility and the most well-liked selection for many riders. It’s a non-public trip in a four-door automobile that may accommodate as much as 4 passengers. Commonplace pricing, nonetheless, tends to be cheaper than a taxi.
- Lyft XL: Using with a big group or carrying tons of bags? This can be your best option for you. This choice is a personal trip in a bigger automobile, akin to an SUV or minivan, and may accommodate as much as six passengers. As a result of additional area, nonetheless, this selection will seemingly price greater than a typical Lyft.
- Lyft Lux: You probably have additional money to spend, that is your second. That is Lyft’s premium trip possibility. It’s a luxurious trip in a high-end automobile, akin to a Mercedes-Benz or BMW. This selection is costlier than the usual Lyft trip.
- Lyft Lux Black: Trying to trip in type with VIP standing? This selection is dear however very enjoyable. Much like UberBLACK, that is Lyft’s luxurious trip choice. The premium black-car service is costlier than the usual Lyft trip and Lyft Lux.
- Lyft Shared: This trip possibility is shared with different Lyft riders moving into the identical course. You’ll share the trip with as much as two further passengers who shall be picked up and dropped off alongside the best way. This selection is inexpensive than the opposite trip choices, however it might take longer to achieve your vacation spot because of the shared trip.
- Lyft Lux Black XL: That is Lyft’s premium trip possibility for bigger teams of as much as six passengers. It’s a luxurious trip in a high-end automobile like an SUV or minivan. This selection is costlier than the usual Lyft XL trip and Lyft Lux.
For simplicity’s sake, be happy to stay to the usual choice to keep away from paying larger charges or overwhelming your self with too many picks.
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Though Uber and Lyft are top-rated apps, they’re seemingly extra dependable than taxis, and each implement security options akin to driver background checks, in-app security options, and suggestions techniques, riders should need to take further precautions to make sure security.
If, nonetheless, you’re a frequent rider or plan on utilizing both Lyft or Uber way more usually; there are a number of methods to avoid wasting more money.
The best way to save a couple of dollars when utilizing Uber
- First, go to your account web page by clicking the icon on the underside row on the far proper aspect. Then choose “pockets” positioned on the middle prime of the web page.
- As soon as inside “your pockets” you possibly can enter vouchers or promotional codes to avoid wasting.

Your Uber “pockets” will help prevent money. (Kurt Knutsson)
- You too can hyperlink sure bank cards that supply aggressive saving advantages when utilizing the cardboard on the platform.
- Some present presents embody: Linking your Capital One card for a free membership to Uber One, limitless 3% money again on all purchases on the app when utilizing your Apple card, a $10 coupon while you hyperlink your American Specific Gold card, plus a number of others.
Lyft additionally offers cost-saving choices to frequent riders however favors the traveler over the penny-saver. Whereas Uber presents advantages like a free subscription, coupon codes, or money again, Lyft presents miles and resort factors.
The best way to save a couple of dollars when utilizing Lyft
- Begin with the principle web page that opens while you first launch the app. Then click on on the three bars positioned on the prime of the left nook of your display.

This is the right way to entry rewards on Lyft. (Kurt Knutsson)
- As soon as chosen, you possibly can scroll to “rewards.”

Search for the “Rewards” possibility within the Lyft menu. (Kurt Knutsson)
- Now it is possible for you to to see any coupons already utilized to your profile, or you possibly can enter any promo codes relevant to your account.
- You too can hyperlink your Delta, Alaska or Hilton accounts to earn factors and save.

You’ll be able to hyperlink your Delta, Alaska or Hilton accounts to earn factors on Lyft. (Kurt Knutsson)
- By linking your Delta SkyMiles or Alaska Mileage Plan, you possibly can earn one to 2 miles for each greenback spent on the app.
- By linking your Hilton Honors account, you possibly can earn three factors for each greenback spent on Lyft.
The best way to maximize your security when utilizing Uber or Lyft
- Verify driver and automobile data: Match the license plate of the automobile to the data offered inside the app. Additionally, make sure to ask for the motive force’s title and in addition match that with the data offered by the app.
- Share your journey particulars: Present real-time GPS monitoring of your trip to family and friends.
- Experience-sharing: Uber and Lyft supply ride-sharing choices, which will help riders really feel safer by sharing the trip and price with others.
- Sit within the backseat: By offering far between you and the motive force, you create a buffer for added safety.
- Contact emergency providers: In case of an emergency, you possibly can contact emergency providers immediately from the app by tapping the “911 Help” button.
Choice 5 ought to solely be used within the case of an emergency; nonetheless, it stays among the finest security options at your disposal.
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Utilizing Uber’s Emergency Security Characteristic:
- Open the Uber app whereas in the course of a trip and faucet the “Defend” icon within the backside proper nook of the app’s map display.
- Faucet on “Emergency Help.”
- Choose the kind of emergency you are experiencing (e.g., “911 help,” “report a crash,” or “report a security incident”).
- Faucet “Name 911” or “Name Security Line” to talk with an Uber consultant.
Utilizing Lyft’s Emergency Security Characteristic:
- Open the Lyft app and faucet the “Emergency” icon within the backside proper nook.
- Faucet “Alert 911” or “Name Assist” to talk with a Lyft consultant.
- If you choose “Alert 911 silently,” a member of ADT will contact regulation enforcement to share your location. The app will solely join you to ADT if requested.
- If you choose “Name Assist,” you may be related to a Lyft consultant who can help you.
Last Ideas
I personally was a late adopter of each Uber and Lyft as I didn’t see the necessity for them. Nevertheless, I’ve found that each apps are way more fairly priced than taxis and often have higher customer support. From the upfront pricing to accountable drivers who rely upon passenger rankings and evaluations to the app’s ease of use and ease, Uber and Lyft are way more preferable than a taxi on most events. (In Italy, taxis have been cheaper than Ubers, in order that’s not all the time the golden rule.)
Relating to our advice between Lyft and Uber, we recommend opening each apps and checking the pricing to your required location by following the above directions. Then, if one is way cheaper than the opposite, avoid wasting much-needed money and choose essentially the most economically pleasant selection. In any other case, our default choice stays to be awarded to Uber for its modern design and high quality customer support.
Which app do you like Uber or Lyft? Tell us. We would love to listen to from you.
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