RIDEGURU
Monica Castleberry (momof4)
Ride Expert from Philadelphia PA
Mom & Nursing Student by day Ride Share Driver by night always on the go
8198 Rider DriverActivity
Posts by momof4
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Uber's Secret "Project Luigi". Just another way to put the screws to the drivers.
Uber has 180 of Change, Uber Pro. Lyft in some markets added the long pick up fee for drivers. Then … -
Lyft finally got some B@!!$! They made a positive decision on their own without waiting on Uber to do it.
WTG Lyft! I always call these companies out for their BS however they have made a positive decision for the … -
Lyft finally does something right! About damn time.
Its about damn time! We have been complaining about this for months. Although it helped drivers it screwed up with … -
Is Uber's Customer Service Reps causing drivers to lose out on tips? You be the judge.
Or is Ubers app? Or both??? My son & his gf went out Friday night to his Christmas party & … -
Uber drivers seeing Surge Amt. on their maps but what is Uber really charging the rider? Where is all that money going? I can tell you.
I've seen this on 2 other occassions when my kids call me for a ride. This all started back in … -
Hope drivers dont fall for this! Drivers will end up working for free. Is there anything this company wont do to screw over drivers???
Just another way to not pay drivers. The interest will be so high drivers will be driving for weeks to … -
Uber wins small Victory in CA rape suit. What do you think?
I dont agree with Uber very often. They usually are at fault. However in this case it was not their … -
Didn't Uber say they were deactivating riders with low ratings?
I know Uber said they were giving riders time and suggestions to improve their ratings. That had to be at … -
Is Uber serious? Uber Offering snacks now when logging off.
Went out to drive today. Logged on accepted a trip. Completed it. Logged off to run an errand. The app … -
More on the Axios interview with Evil CEO Dara K. This dude is a total jerk.
The only thing this man gets right in the interview is autonomous vehicles are a long way off. How much … -
Lyft wants you to give up "Car Ownership". Say goodbye to your car and rely on using Lyft to travel.
Lyft wants you to "give up car ownership". They will help you sell your car. They paired up with Carvana … -
AXIO on HBO interviews Dara K. on drivers wanting to unionize. Short video. What a joke.
See link to interview below. Dara definately dont want drivers to form a Union. This last statement from him is … -
Will Uber and Lyft ever stop fighting laws? How do they get away with ignoring laws? Is drivers ever going to make what they deserve?
Will Uber and Lyft ever pay the drivers what they deserve? Will driver rates increase? Why don't Uber & Lyft … -
Drivers don't forget Thanksgiving Eve is the busiest drinking night of the year!
If you are new to driving for Uber & Lyft or you never thought about it this is the best … -
Uber being Sued by 96,000 Drivers in NY. When will it end? When are they not being suec?
Many wonder why Uber isn't profitable. Lets forget about about self driving cars, flying taxi's, submarines, helicopters, low rider fares, … -
Too funny!! Angry Moms Road Rage Against Lyft Driver. I would say Unbelievable except in todays world.
I have to say she deserves Mom of the Year Award for 2019. Click on link. The video/article is pretty … -
Will never take a NY trip again. Ever! Few questions in comments if anyone knows the answers. Would appreciate it:)
I try to avoid NY trips. I can usually tell on Uber by the amount of time as its a … -
Car accident recently. Will my Insurance notify Uber or Lyft for any reason?
PA driver. On the way back from a trip both apps were off as PA drivers cannot pick up passengers … -
Uber and Lyft Ballot Initiative guarentees only $5.64 per hr. for drivers in CA. Total BS.
http://laborcenter.berkeley.edu/the-uber-lyft-ballot-initiative-guarantees-only-5-64-an-hour/ -
Lyft Pink Membership $19.99 per month. Offers 15% off, waived lost and found fees, and more. Is it worth it?
https://amp-usatoday-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/amp.usatoday.com/amp/2484960001?amp_js_v=a2&_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQCKAE%3D#referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&_tf=From%20%251%24s&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fmoney%2F2019%2F10%2F29%2Flyft-membership-plan-lyft-pink%2F2484960001%2F
Featured Answers by momof4
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This happened to me quite a few times. This particular night I get a request for Uber X I can seat 4 safely. I pull up there are 3 people they say we are waiting for one more. I am paying no attention to back seat they say ok we are good I start trip get 5 blocks from pick up look in rear view mirror I have 4 in back 1 in front. So what do I do? Do I say something? Do I end trip there and boot them out? I am sure you are all saying I would of. Lol There is 5 of them one of me, oh forgot to mention I am not in a very good neighborhood. Do I call police? I probably won't get past 91 before one of them can take my phone and if I can connect with 911 chances are police will not be there before I am beaten and my car is on cinder blocks. So I take my time ride the right lane nice and slow, stay away from traffic. We get to destination still in another crappy hood. I quickly end trip. The person they are meeting doesn't answer their call so they are not moving out of my car. Uh hello trips over. So they continue to sit in my car for 10 min deciding what to do. Fnally I get another rider so I find my voice and get the courage to say "I got to go" . Still another 2 min. go by. Finally guy comes out and they get their stuff out of my trunk and go on their way. Now I pull up with doors locked and don't unlock until I know how many are getting in my car. I've learned quite a few lessons driving for Uber this past year.
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I've picked up strippers twice. One stripper had a fit & started screaming at me because I didnt pick her up at stripper enterance. The app put me in front of the place. I had never been there before. She called me screaming so I drive around to where she told me but there were people all over plus 2 entrances/exits so I ask the first female I see if she was my passenger. She ignores me then I see Mr. Big and Beefy with the tight muscle head shirt on wave me over. She opens door starts screaming why didnt you come here 1st & why were you talking to those people? I try to explain that the pick up location put me up front and what people are you talking about? She screams the people in the car. I reply "what people, what car" . She screams again the people in the car. I am getting annoyed now, because she hasnt stopped screaming at me and what people in what car not a clue who she was referring to. I should've left when I was eligible for cancel fee. We drive a mile GPS says make left turn screaming stripper barks order i will tell you where to go. We go another mile another barking order "pull into that gas station I need something". She needed something all right some manners or a foot up her ass. I pull in to this gas station that is packed has a line of cars to get in (will explain the line of cars at 3am at a gas station another time). I finally get into lot she gets out and I plot my escape. Why should I take her screaming, order barking ass anywhere else they dont pay me enough for this? I put the car in drive ready to pull out and my guilty conscience kicks in. Its 3am you cant do that. Then the little devil on my shoulder says go for it. Good conscience won I stayed but when she got back in I had a little talk with her. By the time i dropped her off she was happy. So happy when she got out she said "i am going to give you 5 stars". I wanted to reply "stick your 5 stars so far up (that thing you shake for money)that they shoot out of your mouth and hand over some of those bills you made tonight. She was out right rude and bossy.
The 2nd stripper I picked up didnt yell at me but she also barked orders. Wont get into much detail as I just wrote a book about stripper #1. Her barking orders were hello as she entered car order #1"put this radio station on, order #2 turn volumn up ill tell you when to stop" #3 dont speak to me while music is on #4 put the heat up. No please no thank you ànd you guessed it no tip. Last but not least we pull up to destination my app shows end trip you've arrived i end it wait for her to get the hell out. But she needs to bark 1 more order #5 "I've never been here before just sit here until I can find my friend then you can leave". Must be a stripper thing to bark orders and not tip. These 2 were in my first month of driving they taught me a few things that night. No, one of those things was not how to work a stripper pole. Thanks for sharing R Paulson. Would love to here more stories.
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This time I pick up 3 men in there 30's from India at a strip club in Bensalem PA. They get in dont seem really intoxicated. We have a coversation then they are talking amongst themselves. I look at GPS. Its putting me on PA Turnpike. Now where ever I get off I am not going to know where I am so obviously relying on GPS completely. Go up a few exists get off. Its dark as hell. I swear Bucks County suburbs doesnt like or is too cheap to put up street lights. Everything is so dark you see nothing when you look behind you. At this times roads are not only dark but no traffic around. The guys start speaking in their language now, up to this point their conversations were all English even to each other. Before I go further I was under impression destination was one of their homes. Now I have to turn into a dark business complex. Everything closed no one around. My mind thinks they are plotting to hack me up into little pieces lol This is just too shady. No houses, everything dark, no people, no cars. I am so ready to turn around at this point but had no idea where I could go or what i would say to them about turning around. Hearts pounding, nervous. Drive about .5 mile and up on my right was a Hotel. Never so grateful to see one. This was my 2nd experience on a ride that really scared me being a female driver. I think after all my stripper, strip club experiences (as I have 2 other time I had a pick up) I need to stay away from those places. Those rides are either miserable, scarey or just plain strange. Do you think Uber would deactivate me for not driving to or picking up from those places? Lol Yes definately.
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I think you should be able to. I have had a few riders who are happy to see a woman driver. I even had a male who said he would rather have a woman because a male driver may be able to over power a male rider. Some of these young girls pass out from drinking. Some are so drunk that a male driver could do something and she probably wouldnt remember. If these women who got raped had a female than the rape would've never happened. Young women tell me all the time some of their male drivers hit on them some are just creepy make them feel uncomfortable. One young woman said her driver bought her cigs alcohol, and tried to kiss her after ride was over. Women tend not to be criminals, rapist, etc. I would think they wouldnt be hitting on male passengers to the point that the msle rider is uncomfortable. Unfortunately these women who have had these issues dont report driver because they are afraid he will come back to their house.
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Lilly, Can you please clarify or correct me if I am wrong as I dont want to be giving my riders wrong info. If you schedule a ride more than 60 min. in advance your fare is locked in. If you schedule a ride in less than 60 min. in advance Uber gives you an estimate. Then when you are matched with a driver fare could increase if there is a surge in your area. Thank you.
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Uber and Lyft base fares on the longest route to riders destination (time & miles). Most Drivers take the shortest route. Driver is paid for the miles they drove & the amt. of time it took. I arrive at riders destination switch off GPS & go back to Uber or Lyft app. It will say 5 to 15 min until destination. I do the speed limit, I use WAZE app, my car doesn't fly, and its not an amphibious car. Passenger got charged for that 5 to 15 min even though it didnt take that long and they get charged for the miles I didnt travel. This is why drivers are complaining. Uber and Lyft are making a few dollars less than us or the same amount. Nothing we can do as we agreed to be pd per mile and time. Upfront pricing scam. What sucks is riders think we are getting 75%/80% of the fare so they may not be tipping for that reason. Especially on long trips that are 50.00 to 150.00. I am driving for Uber as I text this. When I have some free time later today I will post some screen shots so passengers can see whats going on. O will also screen shot my next trip that says we have X amt of time until destination when we are all ready there.
Anytime I go into Jersey I fill up. Thanks. My nephew works for Giant usually twice a month i get .30 to .70 off a gallon.
Would of did the same thing. Happy to hear that you were not hacked into pieces and stuffed into a trunk in a parking garage. Lol More seriously you never know what can take place in an Uber. I've pulled up and said the same thing as you many times. Last week had pick up in Philly her rating was 4.72. She called me to ask if I was outside. She sounded incredibly drunk/high and grumpy. I am in an apt complex parking lot surrounded by cars one way out. After the call I decide to get out of there and cancel. Of course as I try to make my escape here comes rider. Turns out its her boyfriend going not her. He gets in tells me to turn up radio really loud. I ask what station he replies "whats on is fine". I am thinking this is odd because the song was something I never heard of and just not the type of music I would think he would listen to. He says nothing more for a about 2 miles. I smell alcohol at this point and hear what sounds like him going through a bag (didnt see him get in with one). I cant see him in my rearview very well. Next thing I hear is a big sniff. About 30 secs later Mr. Quiet turns to Mr. Talkative Happy Pants. I hear his whole life story. Tells me he drives for Uber where I should drive blah blah blah. Not to follow GPS. Ended up missing turn as he was talking so much he forgot he was supposed to be directing me. Almost puts me on expressway. I know where to go at this point and convince him I know the way. Did I mention we were headed to Olney in North Philly? Has me drop him off on a Street corner instead of address listed. Lesson learned is never get backed into an area that you cant make a fast getaway. Conclusion is he snorted something that turned him into Mr. Talkative Happy Pants. He was taking the ride to pick up more of the happy powder for grumpy drunk gf. Also think he had a stash of happy powder that he hid from gf and thats why he chose to snort it in my car. As I am almost to destination I get a request which I decline. He tells me I should've accepted it as I just turned down $. Had we not been in North Philly he was right. Since we were there I was not picking up any other rider that was snorting, injecting, smoking, carrying any illegal substance. Of course I know that can happen in any neighborhood but chances in this area are definately greater for getting that type of rider at that time of night. As I ended trip he got out I immediately shut off app as I didnt want to chance getting his request to head back to grumpy drunk gf with some happy powder. As soon as I got back to my usually waiting spot I checked back of car and sure enough there sat a lone tiny drug baggy with powder residue. I can only assume it was his. I sent message to Uber not to pair me with her again that although I didnt have 100% proof it was his it was definately a very good possibility. Last lesson learned and probably the best is to install cameras.
It was a rap concert with many different rappers. I am assuming there were many ride request as venue was packed. I didnt have Uber app on but had another trip into New York also had a request while on Uber. I was thinking the same thing about airport but not sure if I could pick up or what "rules" of that airport is. I was paid 42.00 for tolls. My bigger tips seem to come from having conversations with riders, playing music they like or allowing them to play theirs, and allowing people to smoke. I have You Tube Red $10.00 per mth (had prior to driving for Uber) I create play list of one hit wonders, 50's to 70's, 80''s, rap & younger crowd's music, metal, and popular rock music. I smoke as you now know so dont mind people smoking. Most dont ask but the few that have always tip. I use a spray called Blunt Effects takes any odor away in 30 seconds. Haven't found an odor yet it dont take away. Seven out of 10 riders when they get in remark how great my car smells. Only con is its very oily. I bought cheap car mats and spray on them. You only need a squirt or 2 before driving as some of the scents are very strong. If someone smokes quick spray. Pick up a non smoking rider 3 min later, they never know. Conversation and music seem to be the reasons for most big tips. I never disagree although sometimes I would love to. Lol I let them do most of the talking especially the ones that love to talk. I offer advice if asked if not I keep my advice to myself. Music seems to be a great topic almost all people enjoy music. You Tube Red definately pays off as I can put any song a rider can think of on (no limitations). I think it may even be a tax write off if I am not mistaken. You keep giving me driving tips. In/outs, good spots, and I'll try to give tips to get big tips. Lol Lesson learned on gas even slow nights. When I drive my Ford Focus always had gas 36.00 to fill. Pilot is 60.00 to fill. Never letting it go under 1/2 of tank again. I lost a 45+ Uber X at 5:45 am this morning in Newtown. Had put 20.00 in after New York but did a few trips and did favor for friend. Had a request across the street that took me to Newtown. Was supposed to be my last trip. Then that 45+ came in. I would've taken it but no close gas stations up there. Gas prices are also high up their. Shell station near Oxford Valley 3.39. If you are ever in neighborhood of Knights and Frankford stop at Sunoco. I sit there waiting for rides (black Honda Pilot). Busy spot as it sits me between Philly and Bensalem. When I see Uber drivers come in to get gas, drinks, etc i sometimes talk to them. I wonder if it anyone I talk to on here that drive in our areas. Lol Obviously I never ask the people. Sorry yet again for the long drawn out advice but wanted to share as you always give me great advice. Sure you can tell I talk to my riders as I never shut up when posting. Lol There is one other guy on here who also drives in Bucks that gives me good advice. Grateful for both of your tips. 😊
LG PA your advice paid off last night after 15 rides under 7.00, 3 under 14.00. Had a ping for Lyft XL 45+ 8 min away. Get to pick up 2 very nice men missed train to NY and they had a concert to get to. Unfortunately didnt think I would have enough gas. They were understanding when I said I needed to stop (actually would've just made it) better to be safe. Nothing would've been worse waiting for AAA to bring gas lol. The last thing I expected on a Tuesday night at 9pm was a ride to Brooklyn. Traffic was awful even at that time of night. A few lessons learned last night 1. tolls after Bensalem cannot be pd by Debit card even though the toll booth says "full service" at least when heading to NY. Had just enough cash. 2. Make sure (if you smoke) to have an emergency pack of cigs as they 13.00 in NY. 3. Dont drink 48oz. of tea without stopping to use rest room as you never know when 45+ will come up, 4. Not easy finding a restroom in NY at 10:15pm. 5. Traffic is insane 6. I see why they capped the amt of drivers as I seen more taxi's than I've seen in my entire life. Any long trip I've had was early afternoon when just getting on road.. Definately need to be more prepared at any time of day or night. Got the men to their destination in a reasonable amt of time despite traffic. Was pd. 158.00 + tolls, 45.00 tip, took a different way back. It added 20 min but toll was only 6.85. Saved 17.85 in tolls. Lyft did pay my tolls both ways. Didnt understand why I got a ride request for Lyft in New York right before I finished my ride. Didnt think we could drive there. I didnt accept it as I would never drive in NY other than a drop off. You couldnt pay me enough. Lol
Probably. All the other publicity they get is negative because they are a dishonest company that will never change their ways. If it were true I wouldn't use it. Dont want my food flying through the air before I eat it. What happens when birds attack and eat the food? Would be pretty funny to watch.
How about Uber pay us better. Then we could afford to get a gym membership. Uber isnt going to give drivers anything unless forced to. They dont care about drivers.
Well said BigFrank.
I notice a difference from last year. When I started driving in July 2017 I drove 1 to 2 days per week. Usually Friday and Saturday. I had more trips, better trips, good surges, better tips, more tips, barely any pool, and very small amt of short trips. Since I started driving more hours starting in May 2018. It's been awful. Tips are lower ( maintained same rating as last year), maybe 1 surged ride per month (get slightly more with new surge), longer pick ups, many short rides, more pool, less money. I made more driving less days and less hours. It seems when you are a new driver working a couple days, less than 20 hrs. you get good trips once you are with Uber more than 12mths things decline. Trips have longer pick ups, more pool, less trips, etc... Uber does not want good, reliable, high rated drivers. As you become more experienced, understand things more, see whats going on, Uber doesnt want you anymore. Just my opinion and my experience.
I took my 1st ride in an Uber recently. I've ordered an Uber for my daughter in law for 2 weeks (total of 10 trips). All the 11 drivers have a 4.89 to a 4.97. So I assume there are a decent amount of drivers here in Philly that have decent ratings. From what I can gather as long as your car is clean & smells good, you dont get lost, you dont speak unless the rider wants to have a conversation, and your polite you can maintain a 4.9 and above. There are a few other things that help chargers, aux cord, and let rider choose the music or play their music if they want to. Of course there are those 20 or so people who rate you below 5 stars for whatever reason. Unfortunately you cant please everyone no matter what you do. :) I just wish the riders that rate under 5 stars would tell me why. I cant fix something if I dont know what I did wrong. I have received 2 reports. One said my car was dirty and smelled. That particular report infuriated me as rider was obviously looking for free ride. I clean my car before I start my day and I use air freshner. I also check to make sure there isnt a mess left by previous rider. The other report was made by a 19 yr old about navigation my 1st week. GPS had me turn when I didnt need to. I quickly corrected the mistake. It took all of 30 secs to turn around to get back on correct route. He felt that was worth a 1 star followed up by a report. My problem with some of these riders are if they were to be rated the way we were how would they feel when they got less than 5 stars with no explanation? How many would even have a job after a few weeks? I also think some drivers are somewhat unfair when they rate riders. Can't we all.work together and get along? Uber is the bigger problem not drivers and riders. I know should've quit posting after the 4th sentence and a Thank you. :)
I can see it now also. It wasnt coming up for me for a few hours after I first viewed it. I cannot delete my comment but I'll change it. Thank you.
Yes it is funny. You would think I would've learned my lesson. I've done it countless times. The best is when you are going off the app for the night and as you tap it request comes through. You are no longer done for the night but taking one more last ride. Lol I was texting last night when I accepted a ride request with rider rating at 4.0. I did cancel that one. Complained to Uber because GPS route incorrect and was afraid to pick up rider with that low of a rating. Asked why they were still on platform requesting rides. They gave me 3.75 for cancel to shut me up. A loss to Uber as cancellation fee was not charged to rider. I wasnt really eligible for that fee as I pulled up I cancelled. Uber has no intention on deactivating riders in my opinion.
My rating is a 9.94. I get riders with ratings from 4.0 to 5. Closest driver get your request it doesnt matter the rating.
When I wait for rides I catch up on answering texts or commenting on here.. I cant tell you how many ride request I've accepted accidentally when request comes in while texting. Last night accepted a 4.40. I sit for a min or 2 hoping rider would cancel when he didnt see me moving. No luck. I knew where the street was but GPS took me to apartment complex that backs up to that street. So I pull up and cancel immediately as I dont want rider charged. Shoot a message to Uber with screenshot of directions and mention that I wasnt comfortable picking up a passenger with a 4.0. Why are they still on platform and able to request rides? I've sent countless GPS issues in past few weeks just to get same message back and of course no compensation. I get message back last night slightly different than the others but no mention of the rider being able to still ride with 4.0. The difference with this message was they gave me a cancel fee. There is 3.75 in my earings but just shows up in total not listed in trips as it normally would be. Rider wasnt charged Uber took loss. My thinking is to shut me up about the rider rating and that person still able to request rides. So much for deactivating riders less than 4.5.
Seen the lowest rider rating yet. Accidentally accepted ride request as I was texting. Needless to say I cancelled. I was not taking any chances on a 4.40 rating.
In my opinion not here in Philadelphia. Too much wear and tear on car. Uber pool and pool express dont pay enough. Not many tips. Part time maybe to make few dollars but definately not full time. Riders ratings getting lower and lower afraid to pick up so you decline. Not as many rides too many drivers. Tuesday and Wednesday very slow. A lot of short trips. I am only doing it for the flexibility right now but really considering something else.Cant stay on top of my bills. I did better making 10.00 per hr 40 hrs a week than I do with uber. This is just my opinion.
Thank you for the info. Greatly appreciated.
Most people I drive are decent people. I've had a few that you could tell by the questions they asked and their attitude how they feel. There has been some that I've picked up in neighborhoods with big single homes that were snobs and talked down to me. I've had others that start out being snobby and asked "why would you do this for living" like its the worst job in the world. When I tell them I am doing it because I need flexibility while going to Nursing School their attitude changes drastically. Definately are people out there who think this is worse than working at Wal Mart:) I've picked up strippers who think they are better. Bark orders from the minute they get in your car. I had one scream and yell at me because I was at main enterance (thats where app put me) not stripper enterance. When I got to her she continued to bark orders and be rude. I definitely dont know where they get off acting like that.
https://twocents.lifehacker.com/should-you-consider-lyfts-subscription-service-1829787430?utm_medium=sharefromsite&utm_source=lifehacker_copy&utm_campaign=top
Thought I would share.
I was texting on my phone today with Uber app open waiting for trips. As I am texting trip request came through at same time and I accepted it. This has happened more times than I can count. It was Uber X so I was ok until I seen the 4.62 rating. So I continued on all the while dreading this pick up. I pull up and its a 9yr old, mom, and dad. They get in all are polite had nice conversation with child about what pets we have. Mom chimed in once in awhile although I hate to say it daughter spoke better than mom. Mom needed to go back and learn some English grammer. Dad didnt say a word. So I am thinking why the low rating? They didnt slam the door so my guess they dont tip. Then all of a sudden it hit me. The smell! Whatever processed food they were munching on from the 1.00 store smelled awful. It takes a lot to turn my stomach but these chips were one of the most disgusting smells ever. So after they exit not a crumb on my seat, dad even opened his mouth to say thank you. Mom and daughter said goodbye and thank you. Didnt slam door. I gave 5 stars. Although I knew a tip wouldnt follow, they didnt get chips everywhere, and they were polite. Although I will never buy a bag of chips from 1.00 store after smelling that. In reality I dont get why dad had a 4.62 rating. Unless dad frequents bars and is an obnoxious rider at 2am. Hope I never find out. Sometimes you cant always go by those low ratings. :)
I read that article today. Abour an hour later qnother one popped up about it not being a good idea for some people. They were saying how Lyft would be the ones to make out not riders. I'll look for it and post link.
https://twocents.lifehacker.com/should-you-consider-lyfts-subscription-service-1829787430