ALL’Sfare
Catch a cab or share a ride? Here’s how to choose By Megan Caruso & Natasha Hemley | Illustration by ADAM GLAB
Ride-sharing services like Uber, Lyft and Sidecar are competing with taxis for customers in Chicago. And with 8.3 million people living in the six-county Chicago metropolitan area, they have a lot of customers to compete for. When you pay your fare, it doesn’t all go to the hands on that wheel. Should you be tempted by the fuzzy pink mustache? Here are a few things to consider.
Pros You’ll meet entrepreneurial people from around the city. You can choose how much to pay (it’s donation based). You’ll be part of a trend. Cons You have to plan ahead. You must have a smartphone to hail a ride. Drivers aren’t required to serve all neighborhoods.
Pros You’ll meet interesting people from around the world. You can flag one down the minute you need it. Your fare supports first-generation immigrants as well as city infrastructure. Cons Drivers don’t tend to be Chicago’s finest. Cabs tend to concentrate in the Loop. It’s difficult to file complaints against careless drivers.
Hail, yeah! Lyft A rideshare service that connects you to drivers via the mobile app. 80 percent of your donation goes to the driver. App: Lyft Uber Hail a rideshare, cab or limo with the help of your smartphone. Rate based on distance. App: Uber SideCar Ridesharing app that helps you connect with drivers. Donation based. App: Sidecar Ride