Lyft customers are expressing their anger over a new test feature that informs drivers about how often passengers tip before they accept ride requests.
Traditionally, drivers have based their acceptance on trip fare, distance, time, and the passenger’s rating.
However, screenshots shared by drivers on social media reveal a banner at the bottom of the screen that provides information on the percentage of rides where passengers tipped and how often they were ready for a driver.
This development has sparked outrage among users, leading many to rethink their tipping practices.
One angry customer voiced their frustration on Reddit, asking, “Why should I or anyone else tip? Isn’t getting someone from point A to point B the job?”
Another user chimed in, saying, “Why do I need to tip? If the driver did more than just drive me, perhaps. We need to reward drivers who truly deserve it.”
Another comment claimed, “Lyft is violating their customers’ privacy!”
Yet another displeased rider remarked online, “I think Lyft is really trying hard to lose customers.”
Lyft, which holds around 30% of the U.S. ride-sharing market, stated they are testing this feature with a “limited number” of drivers.
A spokesperson for Lyft indicated that they will analyze the data from this test before considering a wider release.
The company did not provide an immediate response to requests for further comment.
Numerous customers expressed their concern online about the pressure to tip.
Many argued that instead of adding pressure on riders, companies like Lyft and Uber need to increase driver pay.
“It’s just more mental manipulation. They should just pay drivers more. That would solve the issue of cancellations,” one Reddit user suggested.
Some riders recognized that this new feature could potentially help Lyft compete against Uber.
A driver working for both platforms might choose to accept a ride from a known tipper on Lyft over a gamble with an Uber passenger.
However, there are doubts about the feature’s ability to track cash tips, revealing flaws in the system.
One customer commented, “I always tip in cash because I’ve heard it’s what drivers prefer. How does the app account for that?”
There’s also concern that this tracking could lead to unintended consequences.
“Now, customers might just tip one cent to bypass it,” a rider pointed out.
