Earlier this year, Lyft released a feature that lets riders “favorite” a driver — to increase the odds of matching with them on a future scheduled ride. Riders have been loving this new option: In only a few months, drivers have been “favorited” over 4.5 million times.*
We wanted to find out what makes these drivers so special, so we reached out to some of the most favorited drivers in each state. Many of them, it turns out, started driving as a way to get to know their towns better — and stuck with it because they loved talking with their fellow neighbors. It makes sense: For these favorite drivers, driving with Lyft isn’t just a way to earn money, it’s a way to genuinely serve and connect with the people in their communities.
When John Nguru moved to Idaho from Kenya 15 years ago, he felt lost. “But the people here,” he says, “they welcome you. They are willing to help you.” With their help, he was able to start a successful cleaning business that allowed him to support his family. In his spare time, he even started a nonprofit helping Kenyan youth get into sports. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, work came to a standstill. That’s when John started driving with Lyft, and, from the start, he wanted to do his best: “When I go to drive, I ask myself: What can I do better than yesterday?” Beyond earning money, he sees it as his way to serve the community he loves. In fact, next year, apart from driving, he’s planning on starting a YouTube channel dedicated to Idaho appreciation.
Why’s he such a favorite with riders?
He lets riders start the conversation.
He treats riders with compassion and kindness.
Hairstylist/driver Lynn Walker lives in the college town of Lawrence, Kansas, and treats all her young riders as if they were her own: “I kind of become a mom to everybody,” she explains. “When I’m dropping them off, I will try to make sure they’re getting in the house safe before I pull away.” Over her almost four years of driving, she’s also become adept at initiating conversation. One of her favorite tricks? Playing best or worst: “You either have to tell me the best thing that happened to you today or the worst thing that happened to you today. That opens things up and gets things rolling.”
Why’s she such a favorite with riders?
She prioritizes safety.
She calls riders by name.
She makes sure riders can exit on the correct side of the street, so they don’t have to cross.
She has fun conversation starters ready.
Bonus: Lynn’s advice for drivers:
In a college town, football game days are great days to work.
Let women riders know about Women+ Connect — they appreciate it!
Before Lyft, Jean Martin would get a little bored after coming home from her day job in Louisiana — her adult children had moved out of state, and her husband works long hours as a truck driver. She started driving around Monroe as a way to keep her connected with her community, and it worked out. She often gets the same passengers at the beginning and end of her shift, as they go to and from work — and they’ve become close. “It’s like a routine now!” But less routine is the extent to which Jean goes above and beyond for her passengers: One time, she overheard a rider on the phone saying she was struggling to buy her kid shoes for school, and Jean gave her money out of her own pocket. “She was so happy. I said, ‘It’s nothing. I’ve been in that situation before.’ If I can help, I help.” According to Jean, that generosity is what makes folks from Louisiana different. “They don’t just look the other way. Everybody tries to help people.”
Why’s she such a favorite with riders?
She talks to riders like she’s known them forever.
She keeps her car clean and smelling nice.
She does what she can to help those in need.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Timothy Ackerman went from being a woodworker and piano refurbisher to driving with Lyft around the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. He takes it seriously: He cleans his car daily, keeps it stocked with gummy candies and water, and lets passengers control the music via tablets in the back seat. Plus, he says, “I always say hello, always check the rider’s name.” Riders love him for it. Not only have 101 riders marked Timothy as a favorite driver (and counting!), but their feedback is glowing — they’ve described him as “very very very respectful,” “freaking awesome,” and “nothing short of amazing.”
Why’s he such a favorite with riders?
He provides water and snacks.
He greets customers by name and engages them if they seem open.
He lets riders choose the music via tablet.
He keeps his car clean and odor-free.
He accommodates temperature requests.
Luke first started driving this summer as a way to get to know his new home of Bozeman, Montana — but he was concerned that having to interact with people every day would be a drag. Previously, he had worked for aviation companies and motorcycle shops, and he didn’t have to worry too much about making small talk. But fast-forward to today, meeting “awesome” humans is not only his favorite part of the gig, but it’s what inspires him most: “People are starved for genuine human connection. And if you offer that to somebody … that is going to have a lasting effect.”
Why’s he such a favorite with riders?
He is genuine and vulnerable with riders, which encourages connection.
He offers water to riders.
He’s flexible and accommodating of music requests.
BONUS: Luke’s advice for drivers:
Prioritize the current ride and passenger, even if it means missing out on the next opportunity.
It’s the passenger’s car until they are done with it; they can fill it with whatever they need.
Anime fan Chris Ramirez decorates his car with an impressive array of LED lights, dream catchers, and Pokémon plushies. It may seem silly, but Chris swears the plushies actually get his New Hampshire customers to start chatting and even open up. “When you have a complete stranger in your car, sometimes you don’t know what to talk about,” says Chris. “If they say something about the Pokémon or the car lighting or the other figurines that I have in my car, then it’s something to have a conversation about.” Over his three years driving with Lyft, Chris has connected with a lot of his customers and has learned that most people just want a sympathetic ear. As he puts it: “Listening to another human being and responding makes that person feel heard.” Plus, he’s not above a pep talk. As he’s told a rider before: “You deserve love and happiness. You don’t deserve someone that’s going to treat you like an afterthought.”
Why’s he such a favorite with riders?
He decorates the car, which helps customers start talking.
He’s a great, empathetic listener.
BONUS: Chris’s advice for drivers:
Use compression socks to help with foot pain.
Stretch between rides.
Meal prep to save money.
Use a stress ball during downtime between rides.
About five years ago, William left Indiana for New Mexico to be closer to his girlfriend — plus, as an avid skydiver, he figured you can’t beat 300-plus days of sunshine a year. He started driving with Lyft to learn more about his adopted home and met all kinds of interesting folks — like the couple who got engaged (!) in his back seat. But driving soon went from fun hobby to serious gig. William tricked out his car, installing LED lights, two tablets for curated playlists/live TV, and even a Wi-Fi hot spot: “This gives passengers the opportunity to stay connected to their loved ones while they’re in my car.” Customers love it. As one rider noted about William in his ride feedback: “Such an awesome guy who has made his vehicle so dope!”
Why’s he such a favorite with riders?
He installed tablets, lights, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.
He takes the customer experience seriously: “I want people to feel like they got an experience, not a ride.”
He takes the time to curate diverse playlists and talks to riders about their music preferences.
Rochester resident Crishaun Anderson loves hearing people’s stories. It’s why he started making fewer deliveries and driving more people with Lyft in 2024. Over time, he’s learned how to make his car more comfortable and to be “as welcoming as possible” — he has had tons of interesting and heartfelt conversations. As he notes, “If you’re not gonna have sympathy and compassion for people, then this isn’t the work for you.”
Why’s he such a favorite with riders?
He acknowledges riders and initiates conversation.
He practices compassion: “You never know what someone is going through.”
He keeps his car clean and smelling good.
He never rushes passengers.
As a career real estate broker, Dennis Lindberg thought he knew a lot about Portland, Oregon. But when interest rates slowed down sales (and kept him home, bored, and “driving his wife crazy”), a friend recommended Lyft. “ ‘Think of it as 25 amazing conversations,’ my friend said, and he was so right. I have learned amazing stuff from my passengers,” says Dennis. Even more surprising than the Portland trivia? How gosh-darned nice Portlanders are. “As an old guy who watches too much news, I thought everybody hated everybody,” confesses Dennis. “But I’ve had almost 1,300 people in my car, and they’ve all been wonderful, lovely, respectful.” He’s been enjoying driving so much, he plans to keep going, even when the real estate market comes back: “I don’t know of anything that I could be doing right now that is as enriching and pleasant and fun as driving with Lyft. It is just a kick.”
Why’s he such a favorite with riders?
He shares interesting facts about Portland with riders, which often sparks conversation.
He loves to learn from his riders.
He creates “authentic human connection!” — as one rider raved.
Bonus: Dennis’s advice for drivers:
Share your excitement and energy with passengers to create a positive atmosphere.
Be genuine and avoid begging for favorites or tips; let your service speak for itself.
Over the five months that he has been driving with Lyft, Eugene Vaught has gotten his greeting down pat: “I’m Eugene, your driver. If there’s anything that I can do to make your ride pleasant, please let me know. As long as it’s legal!” The driver slash salon owner slash entrepreneur wants all his riders to feel like royalty and has several tricks up his sleeve to make it happen. For example, when picking someone up, he stands next to his car, ready to open the door and load all their luggage. Inside the car, he will play a trivia game with riders who are down for a fun experience. (Example: Name a bird that has legs but can’t walk.) Riders love it. As one rider raved: “Best ride to the airport ever possibly. So kind and exactly what I needed for an early morning while running on very minimal sleep. Definitely made my morning better!” (Answer, if you haven’t figured it out yet: hummingbird.)
Why’s he such a favorite with riders?
He gives riders the “white glove treatment.” — “I tell my clients, you’re royalty, and you’re special. So do not open the door when you get to the airport. So, whenever they get there, they start laughing because some of them are not used to this royal treatment.”
He greets passengers outside the car to open the door and help with luggage.
He plays a fun trivia game with interested riders.
BONUS: Eugene’s other advice for drivers:
Know where the bumps in the road are to give passengers a smooth ride.
Clean your car in between passengers if it gets dirty.
Robert D’Amora is new to the Lyft platform — but in the year and a half he’s been driving full-time, he’s made a big impression on the folks of Rapid City, South Dakota. After Robert returned a wallet that one of his regulars accidentally left in the car, with no charge, the passenger started telling people around town what Robert had done. Strangers will even bring it up with him when they meet. That makes Robert feel appreciated, and he loves that he’s providing a needed service for his community. “Passengers tell me, ‘You’re a lifesaver. You really helped me out.’ ”
Why’s he such a favorite with riders?
He returns lost items.
He offers phone chargers to riders.
He adapts to customer preferences, for example, if they prefer a quiet ride or want to have a conversation.
He keeps his car clean.
As a young man, Michael Eastman delivered flowers, soda, car parts, and pizza. And he knew how to hustle: According to the Vermonter, he still holds the state record for most Domino’s pizzas delivered in one night (91). Today, at 72, he prefers using his seven-seater van to get people to their destinations. Since getting into driving in 2019 to meet new people, Michael has completed almost 9,000 rides — taking folks to work, across state lines, and to Costco (for that one, he pushed down all the seats to make room for his rider’s stuff). However, his repeat customers are his favorites: “Me and my regulars, we have such a good time,” he says.
Why’s he such a favorite with riders?
He has fun with passengers — as one rider put it, Michael “brought a smile to my face when I really needed it.”
He teaches riders how to add a stop — so they can pick up a coffee or whatever else they need en route to their destination.
He goes out of his way to help customers.
Joseph Tyler-Ruffin has a gift for connecting with people. Since making the switch from property management to driving in 2024, he’s driven over 5,000 riders in the Virginia Beach area. In that time, he’s had riders invite him to a birthday party, a baby shower, and even a wedding. Joseph confesses that he’s not sure why: “I’m just myself!” But this self-proclaimed people person gets deep with riders quickly — “I have cried with my riders. I have laughed with my riders!” — and sees driving as a way to help others. Riders respond. In ride feedback, they’ve described him as “a joy to be around,” “the most amazing driver,” and as having an “awesome personality.” One rider raved: “YASSSS!!!! I just love your spirit so much Joe!!!”
Why’s he such a favorite with riders?
He treats every rider as a friend or family member.
He accommodates passengers’ needs.
Aaron Clinton, a single dad with two kids, loves his hometown of Spokane, Washington — and prioritizes treating his customers well. He’s decked out his car with a fiber optic ceiling (inspired by a Rolls-Royce), high-quality sound system, and state-of-the-art safety features. He offers riders different cables to charge their phones, including a 5-amp booster box for lightning charging, and lets them pick out the music too. “When my customers get in my car,” he says, “they know I care about their business.”
Why’s he such a favorite with riders?
He greets passengers warmly.
He lets riders charge their phones.
BONUS: Aaron’s advice for drivers:
Cameras are helpful for accident disputes, but be mindful to use them responsibly and with rider privacy in mind. “I suggest a DVR with microphone muted and a camera on a swivel that should stay forward unless passenger behavior calls for oversight.”
A clean vehicle is a way of treating passengers with respect.
Get a gym membership! It helps when you’re sitting a lot.
*This and all individual favorite numbers reflect the data as of December 8, 2025.