Ride-share, delivery drivers in Southern Colorado hurting as gas prices rise
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- As the average cost of a regular gallon of gas hit a record this week, app-based drivers on Lyft, Uber, and DoorDash are venting their displeasure and wondering if their orders and pickups are worth it.
Patricia Sigmond has three jobs and drives for DoorDash full-time, at least six days a week. She says working for DoorDash is where the majority of her income comes from. But now, Sigmond says one to two days of what she earns goes to filling up her tank.
"It makes me wonder, like, what is it worth to have me deliver your food?" Sigmond said.
Still, Sigmond says she doesn't plan on quitting the delivery service.
Robin Doyle says she and her husband delivered for DoorDash in Pueblo for extra money before their wedding and continued making deliveries afterward. They've since stopped working for DoorDash. She says, at the time, they enjoyed it - but now, it isn't worth financially worth it.
"DoorDash only pays $3, maybe $4, a delivery," explains Doyle.
"So if people don't tip on those orders, and you're driving, say, nine miles to go and drop the order off and you're getting paid $3 it doesn't make much financial since when gas is $4 a gallon," she says.
A petition circulating online is asking Uber and Lyft to raise the rates that the customer pays to help drivers deal with the cost of rising gas prices. Uber says it supports drivers through its driver loyalty program, Uber Pro, which allows drivers to save money on gas by completing trips, having at least a 4.7 rating and a cancellation rate no more than 3%.
According to DoorDash, the company has ways for its drivers, referred to as Dashers, to save money on gas, including getting 2% cashback at any station through their DasherDirect credit cards as well as discounts for cars maintenance. The delivery service has not said whether it would help its workers offset the cost of rising gas prices.
Lyft also says drivers can save money similar to DoorDash; the Lyft Direct cashback debit card offers 2% cashback at select gas stations.
