5 Tips for Launching Your Ride Sharing Career

Uber and Lyft are just some of the ride sharing services that have become household names in many countries and cities around the world. More and more people are increasingly turning to these services for their work trip commutes and whenever they just want to move around. After all, ride sharing is not only quick and affordable but also much more convenient than a traditional taxi service. Plus, it has a rating system that gives you an idea of what your driver is like.

The remarkable growth of the ridesharing market in the last decade can be attributed to the evolution of the internet and the introduction of smartphones— which have led to the adoption of digital platform-based business models. The global ridesharing market, currently valued at $85.8 billion, is now projected to reach $185.1 billion in 2026, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.6 percent. This means ridesharing is here to stay and you can launch your career as a ridesharing driver today.

Whether you’re looking to launch a full-time ride sharing career or simply need a side gig for some extra cash, driving for ride sharing companies is worth it— and can be a great way to make money. According to Uber, drivers in major cities make up to $55,000 a year. It’s, however, important to note that earnings vary from one ride share driver to another, as it often depends on a number of factors including the ride share service you provide, the city or location you drive, and how often you drive. 

That said, here are five things you need to know even as you sign up as a driver for ridesharing services. 

Drive Well and Act Courteously

According to the Barnes Firm, a San Diego car accident lawyer, your passengers may be entitled to sue you in the event of an accident. Therefore, if you’re not confident in your driving skills, it’s best you take additional driving classes before launching your career as a rideshare driver. Like many rideshare drivers, you’ll have a flexible working schedule and drive as much or as little as you want. And while you don’t need an expert level of car skills to succeed, you need to not just be comfortable with your car but drive it well as well.

Passengers are looking for good drivers who value their safety and follow all the traffic rules. Your goal should be to make sure your customers feel safe in your car. And this means being aware of any changes in your surroundings, braking safely, and accelerating decently.

Finally, you need to be friendly, courteous, and professional when talking to and dealing with your customers. Little things like helping passengers with their luggage and waiting to open doors for them leave a lasting impression. 

First Things First: Know Your Market

As mentioned, people living in cities are increasingly using ridesharing services to move around. You would therefore be right to say there’s a guaranteed market for your services as a rideshare driver. However, not taking the time to know your market and learn your routes might put you at a disadvantage as a rideshare driver. 

You need to know your city in and out, like the back of your hand so you’re able to move around more efficiently and fit in more rides. Don’t just rely on your GPS. Remember, the more time you spend with your car parked without a ride, the more money you lose. Start by keeping an eye on the local city websites and community calendars for any upcoming events. Check with popular venues across the city as well. Events, recreation facilities, and popular venues offer a great opportunity for more business. So make sure you always position yourself accordingly by being as close to these locations as you safely can, and wait.

Additionally, it’s also important that you do your homework to find out when there’s a high demand for rides in the city. In most cities, the demand is high in the evening and during rush hours and weekends. 

Keep Your Car in Great Condition

Most, if not all, ridesharing services have a rating system that allows customers to leave a review and rate their experience with a driver. Well, the secret to maintaining a high rating is keeping your car in great condition — inside and out. First impressions matter, and it’s your responsibility to make sure you leave a good one.

You need to make sure your car is always clean with no visible stains and dirt on the seats. No one leaves their home to get into a car that’s been turned into a garbage can. It’s therefore important that you vacuum and clean your car on a regular basis. In addition to having a trash bag in your car, consider buying some vomit bags— they might come in handy someday. Invest in a good air freshener as well.

Consider Offering Amenities

There are other affordable amenities that, when stocked in your car, can leave a good impression and enhance your customers’ experience. They include a phone charging cable with adapters for Android phones and iPhones, bottles of water, a daily newspaper, gum or mints, and packs of tissues. You’ll be amazed how these amenities affect your customers’ experience and ratings as a rideshare driver.

Always be Prepared

Picking up a job as a rideshare driver offers numerous benefits; extra income, flexible working hours, getting to connect with new people and see new places, and immediate payment. Since your work involves driving passengers to different places, you need to always make sure both yourself and your car are always ready.

If you don’t have a GPS application, it’s time you got it installed and learned how to use it. You can’t afford to miss your regular car maintenance and repairs. The last thing you want is to have your car break down moments after picking a passenger. Also, remember to always check the latest weather forecasts for your city or region in advance, and plan accordingly.