How do I call Uber for a ride?
As of now, ordering an Uber ride by phone call is only available in Florida, California, Arizona, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas. The toll-free number 1-833-USE-UBER (1-833-873-8237). The hours are 7 days a week, from 4am–10pm.
A quote will be provided by the operator, prior to dispatching the vehicle. Riders will need to relay their credit card numbers to an operator to keep on file (Uber does not accept cash). After calling, Uber will send you the information on your ride via a text message, including your driver’s name, car type, license plate number, and their estimated arrival time. Your phone must be able to accept text messages, therefore landlines will not work.
What is the cancellation policy on Uber or Lyft?
Uber and Lyft passengers are able to cancel rides without incurring fees within two minutes of driver acceptance of their rides. The company assesses a cancellation fee if a rider has not cancelled within the two-minute window and the driver arrives within five minutes of estimated arrival at the pickup spot. The cancellation window for uberPOOL and Lyft Shared rides is reduced to one minute to accommodate multiple passengers. A rider who cancels multiple times for the same trip may be assessed a cancellation fee.
How does Uber or Lyft work?
The act of opening Uber or Lyft and requesting a ride is very simple for passengers. The driver modes of both apps are also designed to make the driving experience as simple as possible. Uber and Lyft have poured years of research and design into turning complex processes into simple interfaces. The core element of both apps is an algorithm that matches riders to drivers while weighing several factors.
When a rider requests a trip, the algorithms used by Uber and Lyft kick into gear. The algorithm takes into account the rider’s location and drivers actively using the apps to select the best match possible. This process is complex because a rider can select from different ride modes with varying availability. Uber and Lyft apps also automatically prevent riders from being assigned to drivers who have given them low passenger ratings. The algorithms also use optional features like a driver’s location preferences and traffic to inform matching decisions.
Once a ride is completed, the fare is automatically calculated based on current rates and the particular details of the trip. The apps allow ratings of drivers and passengers to inform future matching decisions. Uber and Lyft provide support by customer service professionals in case there are problems that cannot be corrected by the apps. Examples of when these support functions might be necessary include a rider who was charged an unnecessary fee or a driver who has an unsafe experience with a passenger.
How do I cancel my Uber or Lyft account?
Uber
Uber allows drivers and riders to cancel their accounts through the app. After tapping Settings, you can select Privacy Settings and then Delete Account. Uber asks for confirmation before deactivation.
Lyft
Lyft asks its drivers and riders to contact the support team through its website to initiate the cancellation process. Users are asked why they are leaving the app before cancellation is confirmed.
How do I add a tip on the Uber or Lyft app?
The Uber and Lyft apps allow riders to show drivers their appreciation with tips following completed rides. Both apps provide receipts of ride fares that allow riders to rate their drivers and include tips. Lyft riders can add tips to their receipts up to three days after completion, while Uber allows tips up to 30 days after ride completion.
How can I contact Uber support?
Uber does not offer phone support for riders. Only drivers can contact the Uber helpline at (800) 593-7069. For emergencies, contact 800-353-UBER. You can also click on ‘help’ within the app to send a message, or by filling out the contact form at https://help.uber.com.
How can I contact Lyft support?
Lyft does not offer phone support for riders. Only drivers can contact Lyft 24/7, by clicking on the phone icon within the driver app or dialing (888) 981-5226. Riders may contact Lyft by clicking ‘help’ within the app, or by filling out the contact form at https://help.lyft.com.
Does Uber or Lyft have kids car seats?
Uber and Lyft provide car seat options in their apps for riders in New York City. There are standard Lyft and UberX vehicles in the city that are equipped with car seats. A child must be between 31 inches and 52 inches tall and weigh between 22 pounds and 48 pounds to ride in a car seat. The car seat option in Uber and Lyft adds $10 to the total fare. The companies may expand to additional cities, which will be reflected in updated ride options in their apps.
Can you pre-book Uber or Lyft rides?
Uber
Uber riders can schedule their rides up to 30 days prior to pickup. This feature helps riders by providing price guarantees for scheduled trips even if the company introduces new fees or pricing in the meantime.
Lyft
Lyft riders can book their trips up to one week ahead of pickup. The Lyft app features a Schedule option with date and time spaces to book your ride.
Can I request a stop on Uber or Lyft?
Uber:
Uber touts the option for riders to add three stops to each ride. Riders start by adding their last stop when requesting a vehicle. A plus sign next to the last stop space can be clicked to reveal two additional stop spaces. After adding these stops, the Uber app updates the map with driver-partners available for multiple destinations.
Lyft:
Lyft added the ability to make multiple stops to its app in 2016. In the app, a user starts by requesting a ride and adding their final stop. There is a plus sign located next to the final stop, which brings up space for an intermediary stop. Lyft allows riders to include two destinations per trip with no fee or premium for the service.