Cost

Lyft and UberX are very similar in cost. While both companies offer a range of more expensive, premium rides in luxury SUVs and limos, a basic ride will cost you about the same in Lyft as it will in UberX. While costs vary city-to-city for Uber and Lyft, rides are generally $1 to start, $1.50/mile, and $0.25/min. I tell my passengers that a rule-of-thumb cost is, "about $2/mile", or, "20-30% cheaper than traditional taxicabs".  Rides are slightly more expensive in cities with higher ride-demand (such as LA and San Francisco). One can easily see how a simple ride down the street can be affordable and convenient, while a lengthier trip can quickly add up in cost.  When comparing Lyft vs Uber costs, we come out about equal.

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Company Investments and Popularity

Wealthy hedge-fund investors rightfully have their money guns aimed at both Lyft and Uber. These wealthy investors see the long-term potential of both ride-sharing services; thus supplying hundreds of millions of dollars in investments. With the disposal of money at their feet, both Lyft and Uber offer incredible deals, such as free ride credits to new passengers (see referral links at top of page). Uber, with more national popularity and investors, is most recently offering sign-up bonuses to any Lyft driver that jumps teams to Uber. Both companies understand the impact of building a solid user base, and are willing to pay a pretty penny for you to try out their service.

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"Prime Time" or "Surge Pricing" Cost

At high-demand times and locations, the cost of a Lyft or Uber ride can significantly increase. For Lyft, "Prime Time" can increase the cost of a ride by 25 to 200%. For Uber, "Surge Pricing" can increase the cost of a ride by as much as 7 to 8 times the cost. In addition, Uber is notorious for having their "Surge Pricing" more difficult for the passenger to notice prior to requesting a pick-up. Lyft's "Prime Time", on the other hand, is not as easy to miss. Be sure to understand that requesting a ride after a busy football game, fourth of July weekend, or on New Years Eve will most likely cost you more. By capping how much a ride's price can increase and clearly showing the "Prime Time" prior to requesting a ride, Lyft is the clear victor of this category.

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Safety

Lyft and Uber drivers are required to have their own car with up-to-date insurance and a valid driver's license. Drivers must also pass a DMV background check, criminal background check, and car inspection. For Uber, drivers must be at least 23 and have a 4-door car, 2005 or newer. For Lyft, drivers must be at least 21 and have a 4-door car, 2003 or newer. Lastly, both companies use a rating system to quickly weed out bad drivers from the system. Of course, there is a risk with anyone who steps inside a car.  However, when compared to the average driver on the road, I believe it's safe to bet that Lyft and Uber drivers are among the safest. It's important to note that Lyft has a much higher percentage of female drivers and passengers. One can conclude that the ladies must feel safer when driving behind a pink, fuzzy mustache.

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Professionalism

If you want a back-seat, quiet, point-A-to-point-B ride, Uber is generally your choice. There are a handful of Uber drivers that are just as fun and engaging as Lyft drivers, but in my experience, driving for Lyft feels like a fun adventure and driving for Uber feels like a professional job. I still drive for both companies, and will change up different days depending on my mood. Overall, it's really a matter of personal preference, but Uber takes the crown for professionalism.

Driver Benefits and Perks

Both ride-sharing companies offer a handful of benefits to their drivers. Lyft has a page that details , and so does Uber. Perks include discounted movie tickets, gym memberships, reduced costs on new car purchases, and even 15% off your AT&T phone bill. Uber tends to offer highly valued incentives to drive during busy weekends or holidays. For instance, during memorial day weekend in 2014, drivers raked in at least $40/hr just for being signed into driver mode. In my opinion, both companies are generous and take great care of their drivers.

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The App

For drivers and passengers, both the Lyft and Uber app are generally accepted as user friendly and functional. Both apps allow you to request a ride, plug-in an address prior to pick-up, watch your driver navigate to your location on a map, and submit ratings with an electronic payment at the end of your ride. The Uber app benefits slightly by showing passengers the real-time cost of their ride. However, the Lyft app tends to have a more fun feel, with fireworks displayed after a high tip is given (the Uber app seems to have a more professional layout). As of April, 2015, Google Play Store reviewers give the Lyft app a 4.3 star review and the Uber app a 4.1 star review. On iPhone's App Store, reviewers gave both the Uber and Lyft app a solid 4 stars.   

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