Ride-sharing apps have become popular around the world. And if you’re living in LA, you’re most likely familiar with Uber or Lyft. This is because roads can get very crowded and busy in Los Angeles, and most people don’t like the stress of driving. If you’re one of those people, then you want to know whether it’s better to use Uber or Lyft in Los Angeles. These apps have similar features regarding their prices, mobile application usage, and safety measures. However, they do bear a few significant differences. Let’s find out what they are.

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Let’s talk about these apps

Uber first started in 2008, through the initiative of Garrett Camp and Travis Kalanick. The aim of the company was to reduce the cost of direct transportation. Since its inception, Uber has grown in its services and is available in over 900 metropolitan areas.

Founded in 2012, Lyft was adopted from a company known as Zimride. Lyft now operates in all 50 states in the US.

Uber first started out as a luxury car service. According to reviews by drivers, more business people tend to use this service. Lyft, on the other hand, has been described as being a more customer-oriented and engaging service.

That being said, let’s dive right into whether you should use Uber or Lyft in Los Angeles.

Pricing: Is Uber cheaper than Lyft?

If you’re living in Los Angeles, you’ve probably wondered, ‘Is Uber cheaper than Lyft?’ These two ride-hailing apps are popular in LA, but most potential riders would prefer the cheaper option. Typically, pricing for both apps depends on demand and traffic at the requested time. Fees such as minimum fare, duration rate, booking fee, surge pricing, and more are charged by both Uber and Lyft. This means that in the aspect of pricing, Uber and Lyft don’t bear much difference.

Uber’s Unique Riders’ Feature

The Uber and Lyft mobile apps let you see the driver’s picture before pickup, so it’s easy for you to identify that it’s the right driver.

Some riders prefer peace and quiet during rides, and it may be awkward if their driver is the talking type. This is why Uber has provided a feature that lets the driver know you don’t want to talk ahead of time.

Booking Rides

If you want to choose between Uber or Lyft in Los Angeles, you’re probably looking for which one has better rides. Unlike taxis in LA, there are a lot of ride options to choose from for each ride-sharing app. However, in terms of variety, Uber tops the list. It has 13 primary services, with the most popular ones being UberX, Uber Pool, and Uber Comfort.

Though Lyft provides rental cars on the app, Uber wins this round as it shines in terms of its extensive services. Uber has more eco-friendly and luxury ride options than Lyft does. For example, Uber Green is a sustainable ride option that lets you request a ride in an electric or hybrid car. With UberLUX, you can request a high-end luxury sedan and ride in style.

Safety

Some reviews have shown that there have been cases of safety problems for both companies. Several security measures have been put in place by both apps, such as sharing your location with a third party, viewing the driver, and vetting drivers thoroughly. However, Lyft, unlike Uber, has put in place a compulsory safety education program for its drivers. They also run annual background checks on their drivers. So, if you’re living in Los Angeles, Lyft is probably the safer option for you.

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Customer Service

If you’re wondering whether to use Uber or Lyft in Los Angeles, then you’ll want to consider how good their customer service is. Uber and Lyft both provide customer service communication options in the form of emails, contact forms, FAQs, and webchat. There are also customer service representatives on standby for users to address issues.

However, comparing riders’ reviews on customer service for both companies, Uber has the upper hand.

One Uber rider said, “Customer-oriented company. Thanks for your customer service.”

Another stated, “I recently made a complaint about an Uber driver for the first time and just wanted to note how pleased I am with the customer service team who responded immediately not only by email but also telephoned me to enquire further and apologize. You never think anyone takes note of these things especially complaints but this was handled perfectly.”

Ease of Use

Both Uber and Lyft have mobile apps, and it’s easy for users to set up accounts and request rides. The apps let you choose your current location, destination, and also allow you to track your driver’s movements as they head to your location.

Lyft goes a step further and allows customers to sign up on a desktop web browser. They both have sleek, modern designs and are simple to navigate.

Subscription Plans

Uber and Lyft care for their customers and have put in place distinct subscription plans to honor their most frequent riders.

Uber’s special plan is called Uber Pass and grants users airport pickups, free Uber Eats deliveries on certain orders, a 10% reduction on certain premium rides, and more, for $25 a month.

Lyft, on the other hand, dubbed its subscription plan Lyft Pink. For $19.99 a month, users get perks like free scooter rentals, unlimited bike rentals, a 15% discount on all rides, and more.

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So, Uber or Lyft in Los Angeles?

Transportation in LA might not be a breeze, but apps like Uber and Lyft help to make things easier. People are different, and while some may prefer Uber over Lyft and vice versa, they are both great ride-sharing apps with different features that make riding easy.

So, should you use Uber or Lyft in Los Angeles? If safety is more important to you, choose Lyft. If having more options available is important, choose Uber. But if you’re looking for the best deal, use both as the pricing fluctuates between the two and you can find a cheaper ride by keeping your options open.

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