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PiP is perfect vehicle for my new side job

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by markabele, Jun 4, 2014.

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  1. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

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    So in my spare time I've been doing some Lyft driving. That is a peer to peer ridesharing service where people say they need a ride somewhere (via an app) and I go pick them up.

    Because I'm able to charge for some of the time I wait for passengers, I'm able to do a lot of it in EV. However, on weekend nights I can be out driving hundreds of miles around town in between charges. Which makes the PiP the perfect vehicle for this.

    I'm averaging a little over 3 cents per mile in fuel costs. There are a few other Lyft drivers around town driving vehicles such as Escalades, Avalanches, and Silverados. They get paid the same amount I do per Lyft. I can't imagine what their cost per mile must be.

    I have also had some great conversations with passengers about my car. Really interesting what people seem to know or not know about hybrids and plug ins.
     
    #1 markabele, Jun 4, 2014
    F8L, ELYKB, Danny and 3 others like this.
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    that's pretty cool! recently, lyft has been getting a lot of press around here.
     
    #2 bisco, Jun 4, 2014
  3. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

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    Probably negative because of a vocal minority, correct? That's the way it is in most cities.
     
    #3 markabele, Jun 4, 2014
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    no, i haven't heard anything negative, not even from the cabbies, who might have a complaint? maybe i'm not paying enough attention. i think before you posted last time, i hadn't ever heard of it.
     
    #4 bisco, Jun 4, 2014
  5. Zythryn

    Zythryn Senior Member

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    That is awesome!
    I'm driving for Uber, partly to give people experience riding in efficient vehicles.
    The conversations are great and some of the reactions priceless.
    I don't tend to drive all day though, so don't run into any issues, 200-300 miles at the most.

    This is a great way to 'spread the word' about plugin vehicles, way to go!
     
    #5 Zythryn, Jun 4, 2014
    iplug and markabele like this.
  6. CharlesH

    CharlesH CA HOV Decal #5 on former PiP

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    According to local news reports, the cabbies in San Francisco are very upset with Uber (or Lyft? I am not sure which), and are trying to get the city government to place these kinds of companies under taxi rules (for example, expensive taxi medallions).
     
    #6 CharlesH, Jun 4, 2014
    Last edited: Jun 5, 2014
  7. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

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    Since you use your Tesla do you drive for regular Uber or UberX?

    The cabbies will never get anywhere in SF, that is where both Uber and Lyft are founded/headquartered. The city would be stupid to make a decision against a startup/tech firm. It seems to me those (tech startups) are SF lifeblood lately.
     
    #7 markabele, Jun 4, 2014
  8. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

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    And ok...you have me beat....you would have the perfect car for Uber/Lyft. :)
     
    #8 markabele, Jun 4, 2014
  9. Zythryn

    Zythryn Senior Member

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    Not at all. Just as the perfect car is different for each individual, it is similarly different for each business.
    If I were driving more than 200-300 miles a day for Uber, the PiP or Prius would be a much better choice.

    I drive for UberX (which is regular Uber). If I wanted to do it full time, I might look into Uber Black (limo service).

    I think it is a great way to show people poorly understood cars and appreciate everyone who does so:)
     
    #9 Zythryn, Jun 4, 2014
    Tracksyde and markabele like this.
  10. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

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    You thought about driving for Lyft as well? I've heard of people driving for both (at the same time even).
     
    #10 markabele, Jun 4, 2014
  11. Zythryn

    Zythryn Senior Member

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    I've considered it, but have trouble getting past the idea of putting a big pink mustache on my car;)
     
    #11 Zythryn, Jun 4, 2014
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  12. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

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    I never do. It's not required.
     
    #12 markabele, Jun 4, 2014
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  13. iplug

    iplug Senior Member

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    Getting picked up in a Tesla, nice!

    I don't know too much about peer-to-peer ride sharing - does one know ahead of time what vehicle he will be picked up in?
     
    #13 iplug, Jun 4, 2014
  14. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

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    With Lyft you don't know until your driver is on his/her way.
     
    #14 markabele, Jun 4, 2014
  15. bilbo04096

    bilbo04096 Member

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    What did you need to do, if anything, to square that with your own auto insurer?
     
    #15 bilbo04096, Jun 4, 2014
  16. Zythryn

    Zythryn Senior Member

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    Nothing, about 2/3s of insurance plans cover you while you are 'logged in' but don't have a rider.
    Uber, and I suspect Lyft, has insurance which covers drivers while they are providing a ride, and will cover you while you are logged in IF your own insurance doesn't.

    As always, read the information provided by Uber/Lyft as well as your own insurance carefully.
     
    #16 Zythryn, Jun 4, 2014
  17. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

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    Yep, well said.
     
    #17 markabele, Jun 4, 2014
  18. fortytwok

    fortytwok Active Member

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    Love the idea but surprised the local police are allowing it - I mean cabbies shell out uber $ for a medallion and how do you know you're not being picked up by a slasher ?
    I think even the car services around here have to be registered
     
    #18 fortytwok, Jun 5, 2014
  19. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

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    Most cities around the country, excluding some of the biggest cities where taxi service is a way of life for a lot of people, have terrible cab service. In my town most people have to wait 1-2 hours when they call for a cab.

    And as far as safety...the drivers are well vetted. They have shown that (can't remember the exact number) a lot of current taxi drivers wouldn't pass the Lyft background/safety check. They do full driving and background checks and then meet with someone like me to vet them further and make sure they aren't sketchy. And then there is always the rating system. If a driver seems sketchy they won't get good ratings by passengers.

    I know in our town it keeps a ton of drunks off the roads not to mention a dozen other ways it's good.
     
    #19 markabele, Jun 5, 2014
  20. Sabby

    Sabby Active Member

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    My wife and I recently visited San Francisco. Our son had suggested using Uber for transportation from the airport and around the city. We found it to be a great service. Very easy to use and all the drivers were great. We rode in a new Honda hybrid accord, several Prius and a Chevy Volt.
     
    #20 Sabby, Jun 5, 2014
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