That’s kind of like the question, “Do you save money by shopping at Walmart?” (not really)

While Lyft is definitely more convenient than traditional cab ride services, you are probably paying more during peak times as this Lyft driver admits;

“So ‘red zone’ is pretty much the busiest time of the night,” Mosley said. “If you’re in a ‘red zone,’ and you order a Lyft it’s gonna be a little bit more –you’re in a busy zone — so it’s gonna be a little bit more.”

Of course when you are standing outside a bar in the middle of January, half-popped at 2:15 AM you would be willing to pay more for a ride service that is quicker. Also Lyft probably tends to be cheaper OR the same price during non-peak hours. The difference is this;

“I think what a lot of people don’t understand is the city cab industry is regulated by the City of Sioux Falls because the city should watch it,” Hodson said.

“Somehow we have to level out this playing field,” Hodson said. “Otherwise, as many people as you just put to work, are out of work.”

Lyft doesn’t have to follow the same rules. For instance they can get a background check done within a couple of hours where the local companies may have to wait several days. After the recent terrorist attack in NYC where the attacker was a registered Lyft driver who was also on the FBI’s terrorist watch list, some wonder if Lyft’s quick background checks are good enough.

To tell you the truth I wish the city didn’t regulate any of the cab companies except having an equal background checking system to make it fair.

I still think all along the reason the negotiations with Lyft were done in SECRET was to not let the traditional cab companies know the city was going to put the screws to them. Bow to corporate America Sioux Falls they will own all of us soon.

8 Thoughts on “Are you really saving money by using Lyft in Sioux Falls?

  1. The D@ily Spin on November 1, 2017 at 4:32 pm said:

    Agreed, LYFT is probably the same price. However, it’s a clean reliable vehicle. The driver is better dressed and doesn’t wreak of smoke. LYFT drivers do not pull guns on each other (recent airport event). Regular cab companies must now improve their service and generally compete. Free market allows for better service.

  2. Warren Phear on November 1, 2017 at 6:39 pm said:

    Spin…respectfully disagree. Until it is a level playing field, if and when I need a lift it will be with a local taxi service.

  3. grudznick on November 1, 2017 at 8:02 pm said:

    Hitchhike. It’s the cheapest but not the fastest.

  4. Grud, or even better, walk. I have walked home from several outings where I knew I could not drive. It’s the best self reflection.

  5. Theodore on November 2, 2017 at 8:41 am said:

    Even if Lyft is more, it’s worth it in my opinion because it provides a better service then the local cabs do. You can actually track and see how far a Lyft is from you. When you call a cab in this town you have no idea. Also calling a cab doesn’t mean you’ll get that cab. I’ve ordered a cab in the past only to see it pick up the first two people that want to get in it and then I have to call another one. If you order a Lyft that driver doesn’t get paid unless he picks the person that ordered the Lyft up.

  6. The D@ily Spin on November 2, 2017 at 10:51 am said:

    Theodore has a point. I’ve missed a flight because a cab didn’t come.

  7. Even if the field is leveled, the prices are just a small portion of what is wrong. Sure give them quicker background checks, but the service overall with cabs is horrible. I’ve taken many cab rides and uber/lyft rides. I have never had a bad lyft ride, but the last two cab rides I took ended in shouting matches due to rude and dishonest drivers. Plus cabs are unreliable- 15 minutes does not mean I wait an hour for you.

  8. I would agree with all of you, I have used Uber in Chicago and Minneapolis and it works great and is super fast. My point is that the savings are NOT always the same and while the local cab rates are regulated they are NOT for Lyft. I think if we truly want competition between Lyft and the traditional cabs they should play by the same rules.

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