We're Not a Ride-Hailing Company
Uber and Lyft are Transportation Network Companies that control pricing, take 25-40% of every fare, and match you with strangers. Private Rides is a coordination platform with a simple membership fee where drivers and riders connect directly.
The difference matters for your wallet and your experience.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Private Rides | Uber / Lyft |
|---|---|---|
| Business Model | Monthly membership to list and match | Takes 25-40% commission per ride |
| Who Sets Prices | Drivers set their own prices | Algorithm determines fare |
| Payment Flow | Direct from rider to driver | Company collects, distributes minus cut |
| Surge Pricing | None - SaneRate committed | Yes - 1.5x to 3x+ during high demand |
| Driver Relationship | Same trusted drivers you choose | Different stranger each time |
| Driver Independence | Full control, no penalties for declining | Acceptance requirements, performance scores |
| Service Type | Scheduled rides with known drivers | On-demand dispatch to nearest driver |
| Legal Classification | Coordination platform / broker | Transportation Network Company (TNC) |
The Membership Model
How Private Rides Works
- Pay a flat monthly membership fee to access the platform
- List your ride needs or driving availability
- Match with drivers/riders you choose to work with
- Negotiate pricing directly between yourselves
- Payment flows directly to the driver
How Uber/Lyft Works
- No upfront fee, but 25-40% taken from every ride
- Algorithm sets prices based on demand
- Matched with whoever is closest, not who you trust
- No price negotiation - take it or leave it
- Company sits between every transaction
How Payments Work
Rider
Pays agreed price
Direct Payment
Driver
Receives payment
Monthly membership fee: Members pay a simple monthly fee for platform access. No per-ride commissions.
Ride payments between parties: The cost of each ride is agreed upon between rider and driver, and payment is handled directly between the parties.
No surge pricing: The price you agree on is the price you pay. Period. We're committed to SaneRate pricing standards.
Supported payment methods per ride:
Why This Matters
For Riders
- Predictable costs: No surge pricing surprises at rush hour or during bad weather. SaneRate committed.
- Trusted relationships: Work with the same drivers who know your routine
- Fair pricing: Negotiate directly - drivers don't need to inflate prices to cover commissions
- Real accountability: Your driver wants to keep you as a regular client
For Drivers
- Keep what you earn: No 25-40% commission taken from every ride
- Set your own prices: You decide what's fair, not an algorithm
- True independence: No penalties for declining, no performance scores
- Build your business: Develop loyal clients who stick with you
The Math Speaks for Itself
Consider a regular commuter taking 40 rides per month at $40 each:
With Ride-Hailing Apps
- 40 rides × $40 = $1,600/month
- Platform takes ~30% = $480 to company
- Driver receives = $1,120
- Plus surge pricing adds $200-400/month
With Private Rides
- Membership fee = ~$20-30/month
- 40 rides × $35 (lower because no commission) = $1,400
- Driver receives = ~$1,380
- Rider saves ~$400/month, driver earns ~$260 more
Common Questions
If you don't take a commission, how do you make money?
We charge a flat monthly membership fee for access to the platform. This aligns our interests with yours - we succeed when you find good matches, not by taking a cut of every ride.
How is this legal? Don't you need to be a TNC?
Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Uber dispatch drivers and set prices. We're a coordination platform - we connect people who then contract directly with each other. This is a different legal model, similar to how a matchmaking service differs from an employment agency.
What if I have a bad experience with a driver?
You choose who you work with and can stop working with anyone at any time. We also verify driver identity and insurance. Because drivers build ongoing relationships (not one-off rides), they have strong incentives to provide good service.
Why can't I just use Uber for occasional rides and this for regular ones?
You absolutely can! Ride-hailing apps are great for spontaneous, one-off trips in unfamiliar areas. Private Rides is designed for regular, predictable transportation where relationships and pricing consistency matter.
What happens if my driver cancels?
Because you build relationships with drivers who know your schedule, cancellations are rare - they want to keep you as a client. But you can also connect with multiple drivers to have backup options for your regular routes.
Are the drivers background checked?
Drivers verify their identity and must show proof of appropriate insurance. However, the core safety model is different: you're working with drivers you choose to trust, often through personal recommendations or community connections.
Our Legal Position
Private Rides operates as a coordination platform, not a Transportation Network Company (TNC). This distinction matters:
- •We don't dispatch drivers or set prices - we facilitate connections
- •The transportation contract is between rider and driver, not with us
- •Drivers are independent providers who set their own terms
- •We're a marketplace and coordination tool, not a transportation seller
Ready for a Different Approach?
Join riders and drivers who've moved beyond the ride-hailing model. Direct relationships. Fair pricing. Real independence.