If you are a Mom looking for a way to make extra money, why not work for one of three popular tech-based transportation businesses that are growing across the country.
Uber, Lyft and Zimride are transportation services operating in major metropolitan areas, such as San Francisco, Boston, Miami and Washington, D.C, and on college and university campuses. These three services pick up passengers where they want and whenever they want. Drivers can make anywhere from $200 to $1,000 a day.
Becoming a driver for Uber, Lyft or Zimride means that you are working the flexible hours that you want while making money every time you pick up passengers.
A New Model of Providing Transportation
The key to these services is using apps to connect passengers with drivers in order to get the quick service passengers want. Here is a run-down on how these businesses operate:
1. Uber connects passengers to their drivers via a smartphone app. The app has a real-time map showing passengers where drivers are available in their area and what type of vehicle they are driving. The app also uploads the passenger’s credit card information. The fare and the driver’s tip are charged to the credit card at the end of the trip. So, drivers won’t have to worry about whether the passenger will pay them.
Uber began in 2009 as UberCab. At that time, the company contracted with local limo companies to use commercially licensed drivers to pick up passengers in luxury vehicles. The company has since launched UberX and offer rides in less expense vehicles. Uber also began hiring non-commercially licensed drivers, like Moms, who drive non-luxury vehicles.
Uber pays its sedan drivers a 20 percent tip of the fare while UberX drivers receive 85 percent of the fare.
2. Lyft is also a tech-based company that works similarly to Uber. Potential drivers are screened over the phone and then go to an in-person interview. Applicants must also pass a criminal background check and a Department of Motor Vehicles check.
Lyft drivers use their own vehicles and must have automobile insurance. If an accident occurs, passengers can rest assure because the company also has a policy to cover any possible damages that go above driver limits. Lyft leaves it up to drivers to decide what days to work and how many hours. Rather than charge a fare, Lyft allows passengers to make “donations.”
Drivers receive 80 percent of the total donations from passengers and drivers are paid each week.
3. Zimride is considered a “social rideshare” program because it arranges rides for people who are traveling the same route. Zimride reportedly has more than 350,000 people and 125 universities using their platform. Zimride drivers “sell” seats in their vehicle and can make $200 a day or more, depending on the length of the round-trip drive.
Each company has safety mechanisms built into their operations to protect their drivers. If you believe these new driving programs will work with your daily schedule, find out more about these companies.
Giovanna O’Neal is a freelance writer and an avid traveler. She enjoys sharing ways to make money doing some of the things you already do. Legal help at http://www.injurylawyers.com/miami-auto-accident-attorney/ is available to assist Florida residents who may need advice before venturing in ride-sharing business opportunities.
Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/63854529@N00/5761482433/