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Do taxi drivers convert to Uber/Lyft drivers?
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SpikeSparkle
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The Guru Take
Yes, but not always.
Yes, taxi drivers do often become Uber/Lyft drivers. It's a similar job in many ways and require the same skillset.
Whether this is a popular choice depends on the location and circumstances. In big cities, drivers usually have to rent their cars from medallion owners for an upfront fee. If they cannot make up this fee through driving revenue, they will naturally look elsewhere. In smaller cities, taxi drivers are employees of taxi companies. In this case, switching to Uber may have a higher hurdle.
Of course, the taxi driver has to have a qualified car to drive if he or she isn't renting a car from a company. This is probably the biggest barrier to becoming an Uber/Lyft driver. There are leasing options available, but the decision again becomes about money.
Comments
I use both. I own my car and run a taxi service. When I am driving a taxi, I have to pay a fee to my dispatcher, so I just use my Uber app as an alternative way to find fares.
Isn't that super illegal. I can't imagine uber being ok with that. or maybe they don't care
There was another thread on this. You can't have branding on your car, like a taxi logo or rooftop light-up thingie.
"No commercial branding or taxi color paint jobs"
https://ride.guru/lounge/p/if-my-vehicle-is-wrapped-in-an-advertisement-can-i-still-use-this-car-for-uber-x
No, I do own a separate car.
suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuure you do.