Doesn’t it feel like just yesterday, we didn’t know what Uber was? Never mind Lyft! Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized the way we travel, offering convenience and flexibility at the tap of a button. But, the cost can add up quickly if you rely on them frequently. Fortunately, there are several ways you can save money while still enjoying the benefits of ridesharing. Here are some tips for making your rides more affordable.
Know Your Options
Uber and Lyft are the most common ridesharing services and, these days, both offer broad availability and a variety of ride choices, it’s worth researching other ridesharing apps to see what’s available in your area. Different services may better suit your specific needs, whether you’re looking for affordability, sustainability, or specialized features.
Rideshare services to look into:
– ARRO: Specializes in connecting users to taxis rather than private rideshare vehicles.
– Via: Focuses on shared rides, often partnering with local transit agencies to offer cost-effective group travel.
– Hitch: A long-distance ridesharing service primarily operating between cities, offering an economical alternative to traditional travel.
– Curb: Connects users to licensed taxis in cities across the U.S., offering a reliable and regulated ride option.
– Wingz: A pre-scheduled ridesharing service focused on airport and event transportation, offering personalized drivers.
Finding the Best Rates
The first step to ensuring you’re getting the best deal is to compare the rates of different ridesharing services available. Prices can vary significantly between platforms depending on location, time of day, and demand. Apps or websites like Obi and RideGuru can help you compare ride fares in real time to find the most affordable option. Additionally, pay attention to surge pricing during peak hours. Sometimes, the willingness to wait a few minutes or walk to a less busy area can result in a lower fare. By doing some research, you can consistently choose the most cost-effective option for your trips.
Membership Benefits
Many ridesharing services offer subscription-based memberships that provide discounts on rides, waived fees, and other perks, which might be worth considering if you frequently use one service. These memberships generally come with a monthly or annual fee, but they can save you money in the long run if you’re a regular rider.
– Uber One: $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually, offering perks like $0 delivery fees on Uber Eats, discounts on rides, and priority support.
– Uber Pass: $24.99 per month, includes benefits like 10% off economy rides and 15% off premium rides.
– Lyft Pink: $9.99 per month or $99 annually, providing perks like 15% off rides, priority airport pickups, and relaxed cancellation policies.
– ViaPass: Cost varies by city, typically offering unlimited or discounted shared rides for a fee, designed for frequent commuters.
Other Ways to Save
There are plenty of small ways to save big on rideshare services over time. For example – you can opt for economy ride options instead of premium services or travel with friends and split the fare to reduce individual costs.
Here are some other tips to get the most out of ridesharing:
– Carpooling: Use ride sharing features like UberPool or Lyft Shared to split costs with other passengers.
– Reserve Ahead of Time to Lock in Rates: Schedule rides in advance to avoid price fluctuations during high-demand periods.
– Online Coupons and Discounts: Deal sites, like PayPal Honey & Slickdeals often feature discounts for ridesharing services.
– Keep an Eye Out for In-App Offers: Check the promotions tab within ridesharing apps for ongoing deals and sign up for promotional emails to receive special offers.
With a bit of planning and wise decision-making, you can make ridesharing more budget-friendly without sacrificing convenience.
Leave a Reply