Uber and the Fight for Fair Pay

During recent months, companies like Uber and Lyft are becoming more and more observed when it comes to the safety and overall well-being of their drivers. As a new resident of Las Vegas, I can say that I have taken both ride share companies. During my time here, I was able to get well aquatinted with the local drivers and what this city has to offer.

When getting into an Uber or Lyft the conversation goes as follows... “Do you do this part time or full time?” “Do you make good money doing this?” “How many hours a week do you do?” I think most of the time the common question always stirs up some curiosity... What would it be like if I became an Uber driver.

Now more than ever, there have been numerous complaints with Uber in particular when it comes to overall safety. Another common complaint is not only from passengers, but from Uber drivers themselves. The main concern going on right now is the amount of fees ride share companies take every single time at the end of every ride. I, myself, started to notice certain fees being tacked on to my fair as well.

Taking a piece of the pie can seem a little selfish while drivers try to maintain the longevity of their own personal vehicle. My main question is how many hours does an Uber driver have to work in order to sustain a comfortable life? Most drivers described working for Uber almost like solving a mathematical algorithm, figuring out different times that would make more sense. Some say that driving in the morning is more profitable. Other drivers say starting after rush hour makes sense to sustain the life of their vehicle, which they explained, as there isn’t as much stop and go. No matter how you try and figure out different ways to profit... There is no loophole that allows you to make a comfortable living wage, and this goes for both ride share companies.

During my conversations, most of the drivers expressed that having an hourly rate would be more beneficial in the long run. Having drivers maintain an hourly rate would increase productivity while keeping them off the roads at odd hours of the night. When thinking of the overall possibility to provide drivers an hourly rate it gives way to enhancing a much safer ride for passengers as well. It will ensure that all personal vehicles that operate on the road will be much safer... And trust me I have gotten in some pretty dangerous Uber vehicles. I’m talking about the engine of the vehicle not so much my ride experience.

Investment bankers recently released a statement claiming that Uber can be worth $120 billion; and right now, privately, Uber is set to be worth $76 billion thats a whole lot of money on a company who’s sole investments are through the drivers... Ride sharing companies constantly gain momentum through the marketing tactics they place on new people to sign up everyday.

I got the chance to speak to one driver in particular. A recent New York resident, who now drives for both ride sharing companies, expresses that he isn’t happy with the constant change that Uber and Lyft make and claim to be for the drivers.

“It isn’t always fun to have to contact Uber for help on a passenger especially when its being outsourced to another country. I want to know that I’m being valued as a driver and boss... And that my concerns are being heard when it comes to shortage on fares and passenger complaints,” says Las Vegas Uber driver Michael D.

Uber offers an incentive that is just like an hourly guarantee. It states that “An hourly guarantee is a set level of gross fares (before Uber's Service Fee) you are guaranteed to earn. Often, there will be requirements—such as acceptance rate and trips per hour—that you must meet in order to qualify for the guarantee.” This only is in the state of Pennsylvania.

“You drive to these certain spots and notice that the area is in high demand and you can earn a lot of money from these rides... To then figure out Uber didn’t pay up on their end,” says Michael D Las Vegas Uber Driver.

If we can change the way ride sharing companies pay out their drivers I think it promotes the ability for a great stable way for someone to create a convenient lifestyle for themselves. It helps to have a better incentive plan for drivers to feel good about what they do and that they’re able to ride with ease. Let's make a difference and keep our drivers safe and profitable at the same time. May 8, drivers from all over 12 different states will strike for 12 straight hours. All the best to all the drivers and passengers out there. Let's hope that they will get what they deserve.