Sunday afternoon, Lyft called. Well. They emailed. It was probably automated. But automated or fleshed (I’m using fleshed as the opposite of automated, at least for this blog post), they reached out, and they offered me a big sum of money to go drive this week (actually big—not big-in-the-context-of-rideshare-big).
So, Monday, I went and got the car cleaned. I sent in my new license. I updated my registration. I consented to a new background check (no new crimes!) and waited.
Tuesday, I got the ok. But I went go-karting instead of driving.
Yesterday, I drove. I drove rideshare for the first time since March of 2020. Here’s the press conference from this morning:
Q: What surprised you most about the return?
First off, great to see you, Chet. Been a while.
I’d say the Priority Mode really got me. I hadn’t heard about it, I didn’t know what it was, and I wasn’t sure what to do when asked if I wanted to opt-in. Google had answers, and I feel good about it now, but that definitely made me ask questions.
Q: How would you say the ecosystem compared to the pre-pandemic days?
Marsha! Great to see you. Didn’t realize you were on this call.
It was busy for a Wednesday night. That’s for sure. More social things, fewer obligatory things like work and travel. Shorter rides because of that. Which is nice because the bonus this week is based on ride count. Don’t know if that’s everybody’s experience these days, but that was mine.
Q: What about the traffic?
Reading my mind as always, Marsha. It was light. Lighter than it used to be. Still picking back up, but the clog time, which is what I’m calling rush hour right now because I think it describes it more aptly, was shorter. 35 seemed fine by 6:30 or so.
Q: You got a late start—did you feel any ill effects from that?
Larry, Larry, Larry. Congratulations on the kid, man. Loved the Christmas card.
I did get a late start. The 2000’s Bangers Bracket controversy really threw my day for a loop. But I think it might’ve been a good thing. You know, in the old days you needed to get out by 4:45 at the very latest if you were gonna catch that first big wave of folks getting off work, but with all those folks are working from home right now, leaving a little after five seemed to work out well. Caught a woman pretty quick needing a ride to happy hour. Caught a pair of guys needing a ride from one happy hour to the next. Didn’t feel like I missed the boat at all.
Q: It was a short shift, but it was still your first time out there in more than a year. How’s the body feeling?
Paulette, nice to have you back. Really glad you and the missus are ok. That was scary stuff.
I’m a little sore. The hips are tight from having the seat scooted up further, and not getting those walking breaks like I get with Stuber Eats takes its toll. But overall, not feeling too bad, and ready to get back out there today. Didn’t wet my pants or get a cramp, so it was a good night physically.
Q: You mentioned Stuber Eats. How does this impact your relationship with the food delivery business?
Geoffrey, my man! To be fully honest, it seems like I’m in a power position right now, and I think both industries know that. There aren’t enough drivers for both, and we’re getting paid a premium right now, at least in Austin. I mean, that Lyft bonus this week…that’s something else. I’ve never seen something like that before.
That said, the tables turn with this stuff all the time, so—you know me—I’m keeping a loose eye on the future but trying to take it week-to-week. Based on what I saw out there last night, once I hit the Lyft bonus, it’s back to Stuber Eats tomorrow unless I need to use destination mode. But if Lyft comes calling with a big payday, I’ll pick up the phone.
Q: Best ride, worst ride?
Best ride was probably the one from South Congress to Ben White. Short, sweet, easy dropoff even if the pickup was tricky with traffic there on the corner. None of the rides were bad, but I’m off my downtown game since Stuber Eats doesn’t play much downtown, so I felt bad botching that pickup at the Driskill. Glad the guys were work folks. Oil industry, man. Guess they’re still doing steakhouses. Ahh, but yeah, helps when they’re trying to impress each other. And out-of-towners trust you more when you miss a turn or two.
Admin: Alright, that’s all the time we’ve got today. Send in written questions if you have them and we’ll hit them rapid fire over lunch.
Thanks, everybody. Stay healthy out there.
This was Sorkin-grade dialog. Loved every second of it.