We know drivers value transparency and choice when it comes to their earnings. That’s why we’re evolving the Lyft driving experience to make it simpler and provide drivers with more information in advance–taking the guesswork out of earning. 

With upfront pay, drivers can now see ride information and what they’ll earn before accepting a ride. Drivers will have access to trip details including the pickup and drop-off locations, estimated time and distance to complete the ride, and a map view of the full ride in addition to the fare. Upfront pay also provides flexibility to account for various conditions, and improves upon the limitations of calculating fares based on time and distance alone. Now, a driver’s fare can include factors like how busy it is at the rider’s destination or long pickups.

“We’ve been testing upfront pay for years, listening to and addressing driver feedback along the way to continuously improve the experience. Expanding upfront pay to even more drivers remains a top priority, and we’re committed to getting it right,” said Ashwin Raj, Head of Rideshare.

Recent Lyft surveys polling over 1,000 drivers in 16 regions on their experience with upfront pay reveal positive reception. Our research shows about 80% of drivers surveyed like this new pay model, with more than 70% noting preference over previous pay models. Drivers also commented on how upfront pay has improved their driving experience by making it simpler–prompting nearly 30% of drivers surveyed to express wanting to drive more hours with Lyft.

To build on upfront pay, we’re investing in additional features offering drivers more customization and choice, such as improved ride filters and a ride chooser feature, both available in select regions. With improved ride filters, drivers can utilize the “stay within area” filter to set a preferred driving radius where they will only be matched with rides that pick up or drop off in that area. When using the ride chooser feature, drivers can see multiple nearby ride requests right on their map. They can then tap a ride to see the estimated time, distance, and earnings, and accept if they want it. 

Our continued investments into the driver experience offer more transparency and choice–and make earning even simpler and more compelling. Upfront pay is an important milestone for Lyft and our driver community as we continue growing a leading rideshare marketplace for the future, where the best drivers choose and stay with Lyft. 

FAQ 

What is upfront pay?

Upfront pay allows drivers to see ride information in advance including the fare, pickup and drop-off locations, estimated time and distance, and a map view of the full ride. This makes understanding earnings simpler and removes the guesswork by showing drivers what they’ll make and where they’re going before they accept a ride. 

How is upfront pay calculated?

The upfront earnings shown on the accept screen take into account a number of factors. These can include the estimated time and distance to complete the ride, travel to the pickup point, and the volume of ride requests in the area. 

What markets is upfront pay available in?

Upfront pay is available in nearly 70 regions nationwide, including some of our largest markets, with plans to continue expanding throughout 2022. To note, Upfront pay is based on pickup location, so it may not be available everywhere drivers service. (Regions have been updated as of November 2022)

Are these new products and incentives part of Lyft’s pinky swear program?

Yes. The pinky swear program is our commitment to continue reinvesting in drivers and improving their experience of driving with Lyft. We know drivers value transparency and choice, and this new product portfolio is one way we’re delivering on that. 

Forward-Looking Statements 

Certain statements contained in this announcement are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the securities laws, including statements about Lyft’s rideshare marketplace, drivers on Lyft’s platform, business strategies and features and product offerings . Such statements, which are not of historical fact, involve estimates, assumptions, judgments and uncertainties. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those addressed in the forward-looking statements. Such factors are detailed in Lyft’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Lyft does not undertake an obligation to update its forward-looking statements to reflect future events, except as required by applicable law.