HOUSTON, TX – Lyft drivers in Houston are reporting that the company has added new information to the trip request screen when they decide whether to accept or reject a ride.
Previously, drivers could see the pickup and drop-off location, estimated distance and time, and an estimated hourly rate based on continuous rides. The upfront pay amount has remained accurate, while hourly estimates often vary in practice.
This week, Lyft began displaying two additional items to some Houston-area drivers. The first indicates whether a rider is usually ready at pickup, based on their history of being on time. The second shows the percentage of rides in which the passenger tips through the app.
In one example provided by drivers, the request screen showed the following information:
- $22.16 including a $2.01 bonus
- $34.09/hr estimated rate for the ride
- 12 minutes, 5.9 miles to George Bush Intercontinental Airport
- 27 minutes, 20.2 miles to Hilton Americas-Houston
- Rider tipped on 99% of rides
- Rider is usually ready at pickup
For comparison, Houston Stringer took a screenshot of the same trip as a rider, showing the fare charged to the passenger was $37.82. The driver who shared the above example received $22.16, which included a $2.01 bonus. Both Lyft and Uber charge passengers similarly, and we have spoken to drivers who agreed that the companies could theoretically pay them more without increasing rider fares.
We also spoke to several Houston Lyft drivers who stressed they dislike relying on tips but acknowledged that tips remain beneficial. Some said they now plan to only accept rides outside of surge or bonus periods when a rider’s tipping history is visible. They added that with this new feature, riders who often make drivers wait or who rarely tip may experience longer wait times before a driver accepts their ride. While passengers generally have up to five minutes before a driver can cancel, repeated delays and low tipping history may impact how quickly ride requests are accepted.
Not every driver we spoke with currently has access to this feature, but those who do told us they cannot wait for it to become widespread and eventually appear on Uber as well, noting that both companies often imitate each other.
