Uber Drivers Say Earnings Are Falling, and Many Have No Other Income

(Bloomberg) -- U.S. drivers for Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft Inc. said their income is cratering, and they have no other way to make money, according to a survey by an influential ride-hailing blog set to be published Tuesday.

Most drivers in the survey reported a drop in earnings, a reduction of their hours on the road and a lack of alternative sources of income. The survey of almost 200 drivers was conducted by the website Rideshare Guy from Friday to Monday, as Americans rapidly abandoned normal daily activities to slow the coronavirus spread. On Tuesday, Uber and Lyft said they were suspending carpooling services.

Few drivers in the survey said Uber and Lyft were doing enough to support them during the hardship. The companies said they will compensate drivers unable to work as a result of a Covid-19 diagnosis or quarantine ordered by officials. But those policies don’t account for the market-wide shortfall brought on by the pandemic. “Drivers are on their own,” said Harry Campbell, a consultant and founder of the website that conducted the survey.

Uber and Lyft said they’re working on ways to address challenges facing drivers. “In these difficult times, their well-being is at the top of our minds, and we have a dedicated team working around the clock to support them the very best we can,” a spokesman for Uber wrote in an email. A Lyft spokeswoman said the company is exploring ways to create more “safe earning opportunities” for drivers, such as delivering medical supplies or food.

Some drivers said they had switched to food or grocery delivery or were considering doing so. Demand for those services has spiked by some measures as millions of Americans stay home and restaurants in major cities are forced to close their dining rooms. Delivery apps, including one from Uber, have added options to leave food at the front door and avoid human contact, something customers and drivers say they appreciate. DoorDash Inc., the most popular food delivery app, said Tuesday it was making contact-free the default option.

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