How to Increase Transparency
Encouraging both riders and drivers to share fare information is crucial for promoting transparency and fairness in the rideshare industry. Here are three straightforward and friendly talking points to facilitate this:
1. Initiate Open Conversations About Fare Details
For Drivers:
Politely ask passengers if they're aware of the total fare they paid. For example:
"Just out of curiosity, do you know how much the ride cost you today?"
This can open a dialogue about fare distribution and raise awareness about how much drivers actually receive.
“I’m always curious how pricing shows up on the rider side. If you don’t mind me asking, what did the app charge you for this trip?”
This makes it sound like you’re learning from their perspective—not accusing or prying.
“Sometimes the numbers surprise me! Did the fare come out higher or lower than you expected today?”
This invites a shared moment of curiosity and opens the door for discussion on pricing and fairness.
For Riders:
Feel free to inquire about how much of your fare goes to the driver. For instance:
"I'm interested in how this works—do you mind sharing how much of the fare you receive?"
Such conversations can foster mutual understanding and highlight discrepancies in fare distribution.
“Do you get a decent cut of this ride, or does the company keep most of it?”
This expresses support and interest in the driver’s well-being without sounding like you’re digging for personal data.
“I’ve heard drivers don’t always see much of the fare—can I ask what you’ll actually take home from this ride?”
This shows empathy and gives the driver space to share openly if they feel comfortable.
2. Utilize and Promote Transparency Tools
For Drivers:
Use apps like DRYVR™ to track and understand your earnings better. Share your experiences with passengers to shed light on fare breakdowns. For example:
"I've been using this app that shows me how much of the fare I actually get—it’s been eye-opening."
For Riders:
Encourage the use of platform and apps – like DRYVR - that provide fare transparency. If you discover that a small portion of your payment goes to the driver, consider tipping to support them directly.
3. Support and Advocate for Transparency Initiatives
For Both Drivers and Riders:
Engage in or support initiatives aimed at increasing transparency in the rideshare industry. This includes advocating for policies that require companies to disclose fare distributions and driver earnings. Participate in community discussions, forums, or social media groups focused on rideshare fairness.
By collectively voicing concerns and sharing information, both drivers and riders can push for a more equitable and transparent rideshare ecosystem.
Engaging in these practices not only promotes transparency but also fosters a community of informed and empowered drivers and riders.
