You really need to invest in a dashcam, whether you drive for a living or not. This is the one I use, its $200, picture quality is very good, has forward and rear facing cameras, decent enough audio quality, takes up to a 256gb SD card, has an auto night vision mode, and just plugs right into your cigarette lighter. It is 100% worth every penny. Stay safe and good luck dealing with your thing, that sucks.
Vantrue N2 Pro Uber Dual Dash Cam... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0742J69SQ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
The onboarding videos say ratings shouldn't count when you are new. It took me a couple weeks to get the hang of things. Definitely get waze and link it to Lyft. It's so much easier. There's a lyft button on the waze app once you link. Get a toll pass if one is used in your area. Get a phone charger and mount. Message me if you want my shopping list. For extra tips vacuum your car regularly, and provide water bottles. Passengers appreciate them and rarely take them. Drive safe!
Can you use google location history on your phone to demonstrate to lyft that your phone everyday started at your house and ended at your house and followed the route of your car?
https://www.google.com/maps/timeline
"My data manager" on my phone also tracks me indirectly by showing where I used data: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobidia.android.mdm&hl=en
Also hey u/lyft, what can /u/WWJLYFT do to demonstrate he was the driver?
USB phone charger that glows pink by showing the charge flowing through. https://jet.com/product/detail/de3be31e4e3841388257ab753b2b22da?jcmp=pla:ggl:NJ_dur_Gen_Electronics_a1:Electronics_Computers__Accessories_Cable_Security_Devices_a1:na:PLA_785706707_43734984929_pla-291422874853:na:na:na:2&code=PLA15
I use Waze. I like it best because it is a live network, and alerts you to issues like accidents, traffic jams and cops.
Real time updates from other drivers on the road, in your area.
Smart move. The gold standard for rideshare cameras is the Vantec N2 Pro, though I note that Vantec now has an N4 pro for front, inside, and rear window recording.
I've never had a passenger verbally complain about my dashcam, and other than a few rides, I've never given a ride without one. Even if Uber/Lyft won't review dashcam footage, the footage can be useful if you get into an accident, plus the presence of the camera itself can discourage passengers from behaving badly.
https://smile.amazon.com/N2-Pro-Infrared-1920x1080P-2560x1440P/dp/B0742J69SQ
This is a great option—CD Slot Magnetic Phone Car Mount, VOLPORT Universal 360 Magnet CD Player Mount Cell Phone Holder for iPhone 12 11 Pro Max, XS Max, Xr, Samsung S20 FE 5G S10+, Mini Tablets, GPS and Android Smartphone.
Doesn’t take up your AC vent; doesn’t eventually lose suction grip and peel off your windshield due to lack of moisture, doesn’t take up your cup holder. HIGHLY RECOMMEND and trust me , I’ve been to a few different holding mechanisms.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TBZF8JW/
​
Put these magnets near your pax door handles. Boom, you're covered, they can fuck off with any legal nonsense.
If your playing music through an aux cord while having the AMP charging it will make a hissing static noise. I've had that whenever I charged my phone and had my aux cord in at the same time I solved that issue a while back by buying a ground loop noise isolator off Amazon. Here's a link to the one I bought Mpow Ground Loop Noise Isolator for Car Audio Home Stereo System with 3.5mm Audio Cable.
Between every few rides using a handvac that I take with me. I recommend the Black and Decker Pivot 20V. Owned it for a couple of years now and it has served me well.
If you do get a handvac, make sure it has decent voltage and suction. The $20 8V vacs are entirely worthless.
I usually have a 2 USB car charger like this: AMAZON ANKER 2 PORT CHARGER
Most customers will have their own cable and i only carry the cable i need to charge my own phone.
On Android, when I drove SEA, I used Flight Stats https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.conducivetech.android.traveler&hl=en to tell me when the flights were due.
Limo Tab was actually a pretty handy way to quickly put up a sign with a rider's name (meant for a tablet) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kemiphone.regal.mobile.android.view&hl=en
I have this one. Plugged into the usb in the center console. When they ask for one I just pull this out and give it to them.
I really dont see how anyone does this job without a dashcam. This was the first purchase I made when I started driving.....
We drive. It comes with the territory.
You'll go through a number of supportive devices to find a solution. This is mine. Might not work for you but it did for me.
I've got a theory that it might be connected to the phone number. When I was in the US i was using a USAsims sim card. It's a prepaid sim service. And I think when I left the US and stopped using the sim, that company might have recycled the number. So a new person may have got my old number and used it to log in to Lyft and then when my account came up they might have decided to roll with it anyway.
I bought this one for the wife. A smart man that I am just happen to be holding the end sides which also have the metal plates when I well tested it. Let me tell you it will get your freaking attention. 🤣🤣🤣
​
Getting a dash cam is the smartest thing you can do even if your not driving for Lyft or Uber. I have only had 1 person complain about being recorded but I explained that I use it for insurance purposes in case of an accident. Plus I am a female driver and this is a safety precaution.
This is the one I bought from Amazon. I love it! It records 360° view and when the car is parked the camera will automatically start recording when people walk by it.
The scosche are great, magnets are super strong, but not too strong, be sure to use rubbing alcohol pad to clean the area if you get a dash mount. Window mounts can be problematic if some ordinance passes against phones while driving... 😅
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I608BJ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_K5DQGWKTEA450XRZNA6C
Hop skip Drive
here is the link for android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hopskipdrive.hsd_android_v2&hl=en_US&gl=US
I found a mesh organizer that hangs BETWEEN the seats vs on the BACK of the seat (and in their face/ lap)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073YCWHSV/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I have a couple packs of gum, mints, tissues, wet naps etc. it gets a decent amount of comments and impresses some people, if nothing else is /can be an ice breaker & conversation starter. I keep small water bottles in the doors and a couple more in my center console in a plastic shopping bag from the grocery store and a plastic ice pack.
Every once in a while you get someone who appreciates that you're trying and the compliments, ratings and tips are commensurate. Not everyone will tip you and the ones that do (and you were not expecting it) make up for the ones who don't.
As far as tablets go, I had a thought about using an old nook because it has the hole in the corner you could run a thin cable lock /lasso through (look on amazon for bicycle seat leashes) and keep some digital mags or movies on there etc - I just have not gotten around to it but I would keep it in the glove and only offer it where appropriate.
As far as a rideshare sign - I went with this: for $9 delivered/
I struggled finding a good water bottle/solution. Every bottle I tried was too small, or they leaked, and the water ALWAYS tasted like plastic or rubber, even if they swore it wouldn't or it was BPA-free, etc.
Then I got a stainless steel Contigo brand 24oz autosealing water bottle/thermos. If I put ice in there along with the water, the ice will still be there unmelted two days later.
I LOVE this guy. It's thin and tall so it fits easily in my cupholder. With this and a smaller thermos of coffee, I have a good amount of liquid to drink but if I run out, I can go into a fast food joint and refill. It's easy to sip, easy to clean, it's fun for flipping if you feel like fidgeting when you're out of the car. It's like 18-19 bucks but should essentially last you forever. Tremendous quality. It's durable. Once fell off the roof of my SUV onto the street and it was fine, although I don't recommend doing that. Well worth it's value.
Here's the Amazon link for it
https://www.amazon.com/Contigo-AUTOSEAL-Stainless-Bottle-Monaco/dp/B01N7LKY1F
(Be careful, once a passenger who was mad at me grabbed it out of the cupholder and acted like he was going to hit me with it. It has a little bit of weight to it.)
get some clear cling vinyl from Amazon or a craft store. put the stickers on that and cut the vinyl to the edges
I can get a "Service Animal" vest off of Amazon, slap it on my chihuahua and now I have a service animal. No documentation needed!
I think they have special mounts you can buy for larger devices like that. But you will want to make sure that your ipad is the one that takes a sim card capable of cell service or it wont work. It relies on cell signal or Wifi in order to use the GPS. Heres a link to a cupholder mount on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075G4KRM5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5VCBDb3NAWGV9
It’s on newegg too, Amazon is just more accessible on my phone. This is the one I have. Only criticism is that the ball bering that lets you adjust the angle loosens over time. There are fixes online though. Here’s what I use:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0742J69SQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-ikGDbKY1BPHM
Get a better charger. As others have noted, those cheapos only put out 1-2 amps, and it's split among the ports. A good 2.4amp charger will be less than $20.
Something like this will put out 3.0 amps on each port, easily keeping most mobile devices charged even while running and even when using both ports.
I've been using this one for years and I absolutely love it. And it hits all of your criteria.
SCOSCHE MAGTHD2 MagicMount XL Universal Magnetic Phone/GPS/Tablet Suction Cup Mount for the Car, Home or Office https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XPRQRGG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_OoReDbBVPD5V4
Thanks, that was what I looking for. I've used the cabs, and yes, the cab costs are exorbitant, but as you said, they are there on the spot with no wait times.
I use this app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.visualtexting.VText
I would normally put my name on it so they could find me easily.
I keep a spread sheet of expenses, income, hours, and mileage. I expense 100% of miles so I only need to know the mileage when I fill up the tank. That doesn't work for most folks.
Stride Tax looks like a good app for what you're looking for.
Yeah I record my trips: Vantrue N2 Pro Uber Dual Dash Cam... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0742J69SQ?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
[Upgrade] Vantrue N2/N2 Pro R3/X3... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JUAV1C6?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
I do nothing with the footage it just gets overridden after a few hours. If something memorable happens I press the button and it marks that clip so it stays on the card. Nothing special.
A friend of mine mentioned this one to me recently which is only $50. I'm in the same boat, trying to decide if it's worth it since I only drive part time and don't plan on continuing for more than a few hundred more rides.
https://www.amazon.com/Pruveeo-MX2-Camera-Driving-Recorder/dp/B01KZY0MOO
I agree with all of this. However in response to #2 let me point to this: https://www.amazon.com/mifold-Grab-Booster-Seat-Slate/dp/B01H5VJJTE/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1524848774&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=mifold&psc=1
I had a pax get in with one of these and I was impressed (username is relevant). "most portable booster seat ever invented designed for kids aged 4 and up, 40 to 100 lbs, and 40 to 57 inches tall"
This does not help with idiots who want an infant to sit on their lap, but I have had pax new to the area not prepared for Colorado laws (booster up to age 7).
I have this one. It's cheap and has 2 extra usb ports which I've got an extra iPhone and Android charger cable plugged into. The whole setup was under $20 if I remember correctly.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071DZMQ9Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Put yourself out there a bit and just be yourself. They are only in your life for 10-15 minutes then gone forever, unless you go in for a drink which can happen. If you are struggling with confidence or something, I recommend this book Models by Mark Manson. It will change your views on how to approach women, especially that type.
Buy one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Veepeak-Bluetooth-Automotive-Diagnostic-Vehicles/dp/B011NSX27A/ and read the codes. It is a $13 OBDII reader that interfaces wirelessly with your phone or computer.
Keep it in your car, they are great to have anyway.
My pops had already gone out and got me this one.
Yeah, that would be awesome if you could send the one you use. I'm always worried I won't have noticed it is frozen and miss recording something important. I keep a push pin in my car to reset it when I do notice.
A Samsung was actually the first one I used that froze all the time. I even got the really nice one that met all of Transcend's requirements.
Currently I'm using this Lexar 633x. One thing I read is that Samsung doesn't provide warranty support when you use theirs in a dash cam while Lexar still does, and some people recommended this one on the dash cam sub. I've not had great luck with either. I guess maybe my cam is the problem but it never freezes with the card that came with it.
To be fair, I can't say for sure they were both formatted in FAT32, but that's what I thought they came with. I should try reformatting my card to be sure.
My Lyft car has two accessory outlets which I have double USB 3.0 chargers (https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01K9MQ8WW/) - I keep USB C, micro USB and Apple Lightning cables in the car. One of the double chargers I use for my own electronics, the other is used for charging PAX's phones or tablets. Works great, and has more than paid for itself in extra tips, especially since it will quick charge most phones.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01E3F2KPK
That's what I have. It only works because I have a completely flat, non textured surface over 3" wide to mount the suction cup to my dash. The Qi coil is smaller than it should be, and it won't work unless your windshield is at a reasonable angle or you have a perfectly flat (not at all textured) area on the dash on which to mount it.
But it works great in a 2nd gen Prius above the shifter.
Magnetic Mount, WizGear [2 PACK] Universal Air Vent Magnetic Car Mount Phone Holder, for Cell Phones and Mini Tablets with Fast Swift-Snap Technology, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G0X56YU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_1NIDjc46vFkBH
Car mount, Phone mount InfiniApps DuoMount[MAGNETIC MOUNT] The original, best, patented CD Slot Mount, Car Phone Mount https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017HWSDD4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_IRUVyb06CTAKW
For my iPad mini 3
The Kenu Airframe+ is pricey ($30) but came highly recommended & after 2 weeks, love it. I promptly threw out my previous holder attached to the windshield - it is sooooo much nicer to have yr phone to the right of your wheel without having to reach! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LU5LWQK
i got 30 for around $12 from amazon. they are blue and i have been told they are like the ones they have in hospital.
so far none of my Uber passengers used one but one of my friend passengers did and it was fortunatei had it because there was very littlewarning and it would have been a mess.
I keep Starburst and mints in my car, and a lot of people seem to be really delighted by the Starburst. I do go through a lot of them, but I am also delighted by Starburst and will pop a few throughout the day, so it's possible I'm the one who's the problem.
The phone charger is definitely a popular amenity; I've had many pax express gratitude for having one available. I got one from Amazon that has interchangeable ends to do Android or iPhone.
I got an air freshener after a few smelly pax got in my car. I didn't want the next pax to think I was the smelly one. I got this one: https://www.amazon.com/Fabreze-Car-Vent-Clip-Freshener/dp/B00DPXO33Y/ref=pd_bxgy_121_img_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=YSQMA0823JXB6G8DRY7K and got tons of compliments on the scent. I was a bit worried because I thought it was too strong, but people seemed to really love it.
For music, I usually just do classical or jazz. A few times I've done the Beatles or the Beach Boys, and people seem to like those a lot.
I always confirm with Line pax that they've chosen Line and what that means. I don't want them getting angry at me for following Line rules.
One sore spot with me is parents who will try to bring their children without a proper seat. I'm not getting a ticket or possibly having a dead child on my conscience just to make a few dollars on a Lyft ride. I keep a booster seat in my trunk that works for toddlers and up - if they have an infant without a seat, no way are they getting in my car. It was $20 and I keep in bungied to the side so it's not in the way if people have luggage. I've used it enough that it's paid for itself. I got frustrated with driving to people and then having to turn them down when they had a kid and no seat. I feel like providing the seat is a kinder way to educate them that they are supposed to be providing one because rideshare doesn't have the same carseat exemption taxis do, at least not in my state.
http://www.amazon.com/How-Talk-Anyone-Success-Relationships/dp/007141858X
This is a great book with 92 tips/stories for communication skills.
You'll be better each section you read. Highly recommend.
I saw THIS on amazon. It's cheap, but it gets the job done.
I may get something nicer, but I think for now, I just want to reduce my liability as much as possible.
1) Pull over and use your flashers. Or maybe find a driveway to pull into. I always tell them to be careful if they're getting out on the side with oncoming traffic.
If it's really busy or fast moving traffic I would pull down a side street on a corner and say I wanted to let them out in a safe spot.
2) www.monoprice.com for cables. Unfortunately, the iPhone 5s lightning cables will all be $15 due to Apple patents.
You can try buying knock-offs on Ebay, you'll only need them for charging, so they might work. I'd suggest getting extras because they break easily.
The other cables on Monoprice will be very inexpensive $3-$5
You'll want 5 to 6ft cables to reach the back seat.
You can buy these vomit bags on Amazon. They're a little pricey, but worth it. They have an absorbent liner, a big opening and a drawstring closing.
3) Let it yell. It's also good to let the rider hear that you are following the GPS so they don't think you're taking the wrong route. It happens often, especially with drunk people!
If the volume bothers you, turn it down a little.
I saw that at best buy and thought it was interesting. I don't trust magnets near screens of any kind though (I'm sure modern screens don't have the same magnet effect old CRT TVs had), but I'd still give it a shot. I ordered one earlier today though. It was [this one]( www.amazon.com/dp/B00HZDX42G/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_rvcHub00ZVEJ7). It looks like the button on the side opens it up per click, then you squeeze it back to fit your phone. I figured "hell, it's only $10, why not?" Will update on my opinions after I use it a while.
Not Lyft related, but I do rely a lot on walking and mass transit. Have you considered getting a rolling grocery cart like this one to make your grocery trips easier and/or buy more stuff so you have to make less trips?
I absolutely love the Kenu Airframe. It clips into an airvent and stays put. I've had mine for about a year and it still works just as well as the first day I got it. Plus, at $25, it's relatively inexpensive in comparison with some of the other mount choices.
There is another app for that called Secret Video Recorder, but made by a different group and I use that one sometimes when doing the late night drunk bar crowd to protect against accusations, you tap to switch cam to front facing or rear facing. This one is free. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gndigital.hiddenrecorder
Just follow your states laws on secretly recording people in public, your car and Lyft are considered pretty much public where privacy isn't to be expected. Both of these apps run in background and work extremely well, even better and more reliable than some real DashCams. I got recordings of people vomiting in my car and other stuff, some I put on Youtube. Generally it is dark at night so I get the audio and people are not really visible or barely visible.
The coincidence of this happening on your first week is really bad luck. If I were you, I'd continue pestering Lyft, but I'd start the driver application process with Uber right away.
Also here is a free Russian-made Android app that automatically records telephone conversations and takes snapshots using the front camera. It's completely configurable.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.osmino.day
If your phone has trouble recording phone calls (because it depends on the model of Android phone you own), connect it with bluetooth to your car, it won't have any problem recording those phone calls if they come out from your car speakers.
If you're in a State that requires two party consent for recording telephone calls, you may also need to enable a recording that says they may be recorded with a reminder beep that plays every minute or so.
If you're on android you can try something like this https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.uber.lyft.switch&hl=en
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jclark.drivebar&hl=en
Im not sure if you can do it on the S5. I have a OnePlus One which has CyanogenOS stock which has more than a few more options that AOSP or Samsungs Touchwiz interface.
If it is possible follow this path, Settings>Buttons>Home Button>Double Tap Action>Last App.
The home button could be any of you navigation buttons really. For the S5 with a physical home button vs Capacitive, Id recommend setting the Menu button double tap to Quick switch. If that setting unfortunately does not exist on you phone, look into using Pie Controls.
There are ways I know for sure will work on some S5's (carrier dependent) but in involves unlocking your bootloader, installing a custom recovery, and rooting your phone, installing the Xposed Framework, and finding the appropriate add in Xposed modules.
If none of that made sense, do A LOT OF RESEARCH BEFORE EVEN THINKING OF ATTEMPTING ANY OF THAT, doing it incorrectly or even getting unlucky can and will brick your phone.