A Shockingly Low Percentage Of People Tip Rideshare Drivers — Here's The Awful Truth

You probably have a good relationship with your barista, your hair stylist and the bartender at your local pub. So it makes sense that you tip them frequently and well. But that rideshare driver who just showed up? You’ll never see them after this jaunt, so it’s easy to think your tip matters less.

Perhaps that’s one reason why, when you get a reminder to tip, during the ride and after, you might choose to ignore it. It may seem like a small thing to you, but according to drivers, not tipping makes it harder than ever for them to make a decent living behind the wheel.

Yes, money is tight and rides can be pricey, especially during surge periods. But do you know how much of a costly trip to the airport — say, $50 — ends up in the driver’s pocket? Often, it might be as little as $10, or 20%. And remember that while your barista doesn’t need to source their own beans and your mixologist doesn’t have to supply beers to the bar, rideshare drivers must provide their own vehicles, pay for insurance and fill up the tank, all on their own dime.

How many people tip?

Nicole Moore is the president of Rideshare Drivers United , which she described as “an organization of drivers, fighting for drivers, led by drivers.” She said that tipping is important for everyone in the industry.

“Sometimes we drivers get as little as 20% of the total fare,” she said. In her home state, California, she said, “after expenses and because of the lack of benefits, drivers are making less than minimum wage.”

You may skip a tip from time to time, assuring yourself that everyone else is tipping regularly. That’s not the case at all, said Sergio Avedian , senior contributor at The Rideshare Guy , an online resource for rideshare drivers. “I average