How to Use a Ridesharing App

With the rise of Lyft and Uber, taxis seem to have gone by the wayside. Use these ridesharing apps wisely to avoid fees and arrive on time.

In addition to their normal service, Lyft now offers Line — where you can share the cost of your ride with others headed in a similar direction. Lyft Line requires you to input your destination address before your request and can end up being much cheaper than traditional Lyft. The app gives you a fair estimate before you call your driver. Although Line is still subject to rush hour surcharges, it is an excellent option to save on your fare.

Uber offers a lower-cost sub-service called UberX. The app allows users to get a fare estimate before calling their driver. It is always a good idea to compare prices between different ridesharing apps and to be on the lookout for rush hour fare hikes.

Sometimes, being dropped off or picked up a few blocks from your actual destination can save you a few dollars. Check out the fare maps and experiment with different departure times, arrival times and alternate routes to make the most of your ridesharing experience.