The challenges facing rideshare drivers today are very real. From enforcing mask mandates for customers to the rising cost of gas and maintenance, the day-to-day headaches of being a rideshare driver are pushing drivers to diversify and seek out other income streams.
“Partnering with the right company – one that values your time and expertise –really makes driving worth it again,” says Jason Gross, VP of Mobility at Curb, regarded as the first universal app for licensed taxis and black car drivers. “It’s our mission to put drivers first.”
Where Are All the Drivers?
If you’re reading this, you may know the answer to this question. As the world has been easing back to normal in recent months, it’s been widely reported that drivers have been slow getting back on the road.
It makes sense that drivers might be reluctant to start driving again due to a host of factors. The cost of being a driver has gone up. When you factor in that the average cost to fill up a tank with gas is more than $50, and the cost of maintaining a vehicle is going up, the incentives to get back on the road have been few.
“All of this would be worth it if rideshare companies understood a driver’s value,” Gross explains.
Unfortunately, that is too often not the case, adds Gross. Major rideshare companies can take a commission of 20% as a baseline. In some cases, with added fees for lower fares, that commission rate can be over 40%.
“For companies that rely on drivers to provide their service, you would think they would put more investment into them,” Gross notes.
Choosing the Right Partner
There are many rideshare partners out there for drivers to choose from but determining which one is right for you can be a challenge.
“At Curb, it is our mission to put the needs of the driver above all else,” Gross says. “At Curb, we only charge 15% – which means drivers keep more. We recognize that your success means our success, so we keep our fees low to put money in your pocket.”
Curb has also recently raised driver fares to help offset the higher costs of being out on the road. Perhaps most importantly, Curb shows drivers the fare, the pickup, and the drop-off up front, before they accept the trip offer. With many other major rideshare apps, drivers can be left in the dark until after a trip is completed.
“Because we don’t penalize drivers for declining offers, Curb makes a perfect ‘second app’ for drivers who also drive with a different rideshare platform or a traditional base,” Gross says.
According to Curb, the fact that their founders and management team include veterans of the taxi and black car industries makes a real difference. Curb was one of the pioneering forces in in-car payments and dispatch systems, and launched the first smartphone app for hailing a taxi. Today, the company is widely regarded as the first universal app for licensed taxis and black car drivers. As a result of this legacy in the taxi industry, Curb complies with all TLC regulations, first and foremost.
“It’s our top priority to give drivers the most earning opportunities possible,” Gross says. “When you choose to drive for Curb, you set your own hours and serve as your own boss. We make it easy to track your fares and earnings in real time, and our support team is here 24/7 for the safety and convenience of our drivers.
“It’s never been harder to be a black car, livery, or taxi driver,” he adds. “But if you’re looking to get back on the road, look to Curb as a partner that values your time and expertise. With the lowest commissions in the business and the best driver support, we’re there to make driving worth it for you.”
Source: Curb
