Ride Share earnings in San Fran now >50% worse than the first 3 weeks of “Shelter in Place” order … losing $1200 every 10 days.

What began as a -40% impact to weekly earnings in the first three weeks of California’s “Shelter in Place” order has now eroded to a -65% weekly earnings impact; a current loss of $825 per week.

The $1200 government stimulus payment was welcome relief, but replaced just over 25% of lost earnings for the first 7 weeks of the pandemic and I’m currently losing $1200 every 10 days! I realize many people have faced more substantial impact … my intent is to quantify the impact of our situation to those working in the ride share industry.

The fact is the ride share platform is a form of ‘Russian Roulette’ for drivers and passengers. We both have no idea who we are riding with or anything about the other person’s health history. Since drivers are transporting a passenger with an essential need to move, they are most often a healthcare worker, home care provider, elderly, or ill. That’s not an insignificant risk drivers are taking to make a difference and make a living.

Both parties are now wearing masks, and I’m working throughout the day to keep the car clean and disinfected. When I have had the rare ride of taking someone to the airport, I’ve been offering them a disinfectant wipe to take with them – to help them ride confidently, even in the air.

Lyft called and asked if I’d be interested in driving for Meals on Wheels for part of my day, to help and stem a portion of lost income. I’m so glad they did. I now deliver meals to 30 people a day who are either elderly or in great need. It’s been heart warming, purposeful, and more exercise than usual. I checked this morning and I’ve lost 5 pounds in 2 weeks! 🙂

I have a 90 year old lady on my route named Melba. The first day I delivered, she was surprised to see someone new, so asked my name. I introduced myself and explained I was a Lyft driver helping out. She’s greeted me enthusiastically by name every day since. Two days ago, I stopped on my way and purchased a white lily to give Melba as a gift. When I arrived, she was laying down in a side room and sore from a slight fall. I gave her the lily and told Melba the lily reminded me of how she made me feel every day; standing a little taller and shining a bit more brightly. Yesterday, that lily was on the middle of her kitchen table, where I usually find her when I arrive. It was clear it lifted her feelings a bit, which felt wonderful to see.

As difficult as this time has been, haven’t we all seen a bit more humanity entering our lives? A lily here, a song there, photos from our windows on Facebook, cities cheering healthcare workers from their windows, and greater connection with our loved ones. We all want the virus to go away, but I suspect we want to keep some of our new outlook and behavior as we move forward. Let’s think some about that.

Ride confidently.