Ride-sharing has become a popular mode of commuting for many people in the United States. The industry’s worth of over $80 billion will only grow in the coming years. Because of this, it has become a common side gig for many people who want to earn extra cash. It can also be profitable for people who make it their full-time job, with some reaching as much as $66,000 per year.
However, it can be a very competitive market. For example, there are one million Uber drivers in the United States, just from Uber alone. More will join this trend in the future, and if you want to be ahead of the game, you need to start applying these things. Here are some ways to have a successful ridesharing side gig.
Manage Your Fuel
Fuel is an essential resource that you need to keep your car running. You’ll be burning through a lot of it, so you must ensure you’re managing it well, and with fuel costing as much as four dollars per gallon this year, you need to reduce fuel consumption when dropping people off drastically. Here are some ways you can do that:
Don’t Idle
Idling is when your car’s engine is on, but you’re not driving. It’s a waste of fuel and damages your car’s engine. If you’re waiting for a passenger, turn your engine off until they’re ready to go. You can efficiently do this by waiting in a well-lit and busy area.
Use the Appropriate Oil
The wrong oil can decrease your car’s fuel economy by up to two percent. The appropriate oil depends on your vehicle, so look it up in the owner’s manual or ask a professional.
Drive the Speed Limit
The faster you drive, the more fuel you’ll use. Also, if you get pulled over, that’s an extra expense you didn’t need. Obey the speed limit and drive smoothly to avoid sudden starts and stops.
Choose Efficient Routes
If you know multiple ways to get to your destination, choose the one that will use the least amount of fuel. You can use a GPS or MapQuest to help you find the most efficient route.
By following these tips, you can reduce your fuel consumption and save money.
Use a Fuel Management System
Lastly, it’s good to have something else watch over your fuel gauge while you drive. Installing an automated fuel management system will help take the guesswork out of monitoring your fuel level and will notify you when it’s time to refuel. Additionally, it can monitor your daily fuel consumption if you need to know your profits. It does this by integrating with your car’s computer and connecting to a mobile app.
By following these tips, you can save money on fuel, which will increase your profits.
Know Your Area
A big part of ridesharing is knowing your area well. This comes in handy when giving directions to passengers or finding the best route to avoid traffic. It’s also helpful to find a passenger in a crowded area. If you know your area, it’ll be easier to find them.
To get to know your area better, here are some things you can do:
Study a Map
This may seem old-fashioned, but it’s still one of the best ways to familiarize yourself with an area. First, get a map of the area you’ll be driving in and study it. Look for landmarks, shortcuts, and potential trouble spots. The more you know about an area, the easier it’ll be to navigate.
Ask for Recommendations
If you’re new to an area, ask people who live there for recommendations on the best places and routes to take. You can also look up online reviews for places in the area.
Drive Around
If you have the time, drive around the area to get a feel for it. This is especially helpful if you’re new to an area. Pay attention to landmarks and street names to easily navigate your way around later.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to get to know your area better and be a more efficient driver.
Be Courteous and Professional
Your passengers will have a better experience if you’re courteous and professional. This includes things like:
- Being on time
- Dressing appropriately
- Keeping your car clean
- Talking to your passengers politely
- Following the rules of the road
- Providing a safe ride
If you provide a good experience for your passengers, they will likely use your service again and recommend you to others.
Doing ridesharing as a side gig can be a great way to make extra money. However, it can also be a full-time job if you do it well enough. By following these tips, you can be a successful ride-share driver in no time.
