Petrol prices hurt motorists in the US gig economy

The recent rise in oil prices in the US has affected investors in the country, forcing many to change their jobs or quit their jobs.

Drivers of automotive and shipping programs and researchers involved in the sector say that in addition to the change in payment methods, a 59 percent rise in fuel prices over the past 12 months has brought colds to companies.

Uber and Lyft, two major automotive programs, are trying to reduce the burden by promoting the automotive electronics revolution, but many drivers are frustrated.

“Drivers seem to be driving a bit,” said Melissa Berry, editor of The Rideshare Guy, a corporate blog. This change in the way they work based on oil prices “is undoubtedly enormous lack of drivers Uber and Lyft have been available from time to time. ”

Petrol prices, set at an angle, have been among the most obvious signs of rising inflation in the US. Returning to the oil markets last week may lower fuel prices, but so far drivers have found little relief.

And the reason the oil market is changing – for fear that the Omicron coronavirus may impede travel – may not impress drivers on high-end applications.

In order to pay for the extra cost of fuel, many gig operators have switched and adapted in addition to rejecting many remote customers. Some are to leave.

“Some drivers have reduced their operating hours. Some drivers have gone looking for other jobs, “said Beth Griffith, a former Uber and Lyft driver who heads the Boston Independent Drivers Guild.

An online survey conducted this week by The Rideshare Guy found that 91 percent of motorists are concerned about fuel prices, and nearly half of drivers drive at a slower pace. 12 percent said they stopped driving because of high prices.

The number of gig drivers is hard to calculate. Many enroll in a number of programs or work as service providers. About 1.6m Americans took part in the software development process in 2017, the most recent year when the Bureau of Labor Statistics collected the data. One to compare set the number of Uber and Lyft pilots in the US at 1m.

Last month, Uber united and software GasBuddy and GetUpside to offer fuel discounts to help drivers. Lyft said he has the same contract at work.

“We know that gas is a big problem for many drivers, especially since prices are rising,” Uber said.

But drivers are skeptical that the companies have provided adequate support.

“There is a real cost involved in gig work. The cost continues to be paid to gig workers,” said Willy Solis, director of the Gig Workers Collective, which also operates in Uber Eats and Shipt.

Solis drives the 2018 Nissan Sentra in Denton, Texas, typically setting 40 hours on the clock each week. He is said to now spend 50 percent more on fuel than he did five months ago and drive extra hours each day to pay.

Although payment methods vary from platform to platform, riders and caterers often get paid starting with the length and length of their drive, and are able to receive bonuses and instructions.

But most of these workers are selected as independent contractors, not workers, so they have to pay their own bills, including fuel. Proponents of her case have been working to make the actual transcript of this statement available online.

“The function of a gig set up by the platform changes the financial risks for the workers. As gas prices, cars and other expenses rise, workers are left with the money in their pockets. of the Future of Work Initiative at The Aspen Institute.

Ultimately, higher fuel prices could accelerate electricity to gig economy vehicles, experts say.

Last month, Uber announced plans to offer 50,000 Tesla electric cars for rental drivers. Lyft has a similar rental program, and all rideshare companies aim to have all the electricity by 2030.

Uber Teslas rental starts at $ 344 per week, approximately twice The average price of an American Automobile Association with a new car.

Luke Thompson, a full-time driver for Uber and Lyft in Seattle, said he planned to buy an electric car – but car prices rose above his budget.

“I’d better fly across the country, buy a car there, and then come back,” Thompson said.