How Many Lyft Drivers Are There?

Many people take advantage of rideshare apps these days. Have you ever wondered – how many Lyft drivers are there? Get the facts here. Rideshare drivers use apps like Lyft to connect with passengers. Not only do they transport people, but they can also deliver goods.

As of September 2021, there are more than 1.4 million Lyft drivers in the United States and Canada. With the growing level of economic instability after the pandemic and people gradually returning to some semblance of normalcy, this number is growing fast.

Lyft drivers work as independent contractors. They are not hired as employees with benefits. In the USA, between 7 and 9.5 % of workers are categorized as independent contractors, making them ineligible for paid sick days and vacation time, unemployment benefits, health insurance, and workers comp coverage.

How Many Lyft Drivers Are There?

These days, Lyft operates in the USA and Toronto and Ottawa. In Pre-Covid times, Lyft had two million drivers, but due to the demand dropping by about 50%, Lyft’s numbers dropped too. 

In August 2021, Lyft added more drivers to help since Lyft started experiencing an increase in wait times and higher ride costs due to a driver shortage.

Lyft Coronavirus Health Protocols

During Coronvirus, drivers felt like their work put them in too much contact with the unknown. Per health regulations, now all passengers must declare they are symptom-free before riding and wear a mask covering their nose and mouth.

If the driver is not wearing a mask, passengers can cancel the ride, and the company will waive the cancelation fee due to non-compliance from the driver. In addition, a driver can refuse service if a passenger is not wearing a mask.

Quick Lyft Driving Stats

Let’s look a bit deeper at this rideshare business.

  • Lyft operates in 12 Canadian and 644 US towns or cities.
  • Indeed reported that the average salary of a Lyft driver is just under $30,000.
  • In the US, 25% of the population uses a ridesharing app every month.
  • The rideshare industry is worth $61 billion.

The Future for Lyft Drivers

People are questioning if ridesharing apps are sustainable businesses. Lyft lost over $2 billion in 2019 and $1.27 billion in 2020. But things are turning around. August 2021 was the first quarter that the company turned profitable.

Lyft Deliveries for Drivers

Drivers who sign up for delivery rides can bring an array of items right to a person’s front door. From auto parts to food to prescription, drivers can deliver it all to the customer! Deliveries include products weighing under 50 pounds. 

Items from restaurants, retail stores, pharmacies, and car dealerships are the most popular deliveries.

If a driver wants to opt out of Lyft Deliveries, no problem. They can go back to only accepting passenger rides. Contact Lyft at the bottom of this page.

Delivery Cancellation

To be eligible for a cancellation fee, you must wait a few minutes after getting to the location to pick up and call the organization. Go to the rate card to review a delivery in the ‘Driving History’ tab on your Dashboard to check the fee.

Let’s Talk the Pros and Cons of Being a Lyft Driver

What are the advantages and disadvantages of working as a Lyft driver?

The Pros

  • set your hours
  • work any time, available 24/7
  • sign up is easy, a simple process if you own a qualifying vehicle
  • earn incentives, especially during peak hours
  • use the app for easy directions
  • there are rental and leasing options available

The Cons

  • have to be responsible for all vehicle expenses
  • 7 – 11 am & 3 – 8 pm are the times drivers can make money
  • need commercial rideshare insurance
  • terms of service often change

Travel during peak hours makes for a longer wait time for pick up and be more expensive. The price can increase by 3x the amount. Passengers want to avoid these high-priced travel times. On the other hand, peak hours are best for drivers since they can make more money in a shorter amount of time.

What Else Do You Want to Know?

Learn more about Lyft here.

  • Did you know you can “rent a car from Lyft?” Road trip, anyone? Learn more here.
  • When you are looking for transportation to an important event, click here to read all about “scheduling Lyft in advance.”
  • If you are wondering “why Lyft is so expensive,” click here.
  • To learn “where to buy Lyft gift cards,” click here.