Cruise provides a novel, driverless experience with a focus on safety and cleanliness, but its availability is limited. Lyft offers wider geographic coverage and ride-sharing options but relies on human drivers and variable vehicle conditions. The best choice depends on the user's priorities: innovation and guaranteed cleanliness versus wider availability and ride-sharing.
| Attribute | Cruise Driverless | Lyft Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Availability | Operates a driverless taxi service using autonomous vehicles. | Varies depending on location, time of day, and demand. May be limited during peak hours or in less densely populated areas. |
| Pricing Structure | $5 base fare, $0.40 per mile, and $0.90 per minute in San Francisco. | Includes a base fare, a per-mile charge, and a per-minute charge. Prices can fluctuate based on demand (surge pricing). Flat-rate options may be available for certain routes. |
| Vehicle Cleanliness | Vehicles are cleaned and charged daily at a downtown lot. | Can vary depending on the individual driver and vehicle. Lyft encourages riders to report any issues with cleanliness. |
| Safety Record | AVs outperformed human drivers with 54% fewer collisions overall. | Implements safety measures, including background checks for drivers, in-app emergency assistance, and the ability for riders to share their ride details with trusted contacts. Has a zero-tolerance policy for drug and alcohol use while driving. |
| Geographic Coverage Area | Operates in San Francisco, Phoenix, and Austin; testing in Miami and Raleigh; plans to operate in Nashville, Seattle, Washington, DC, Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Diego, Dallas, and Houston. | Operates in numerous cities across the United States and Canada, as well as some international locations. Coverage may vary depending on the specific region. |
| App User-Friendliness | Similar to other ride-hailing apps, with a waitlist. | Generally considered user-friendly, with a simple interface for requesting rides, tracking progress, and making payments. Offers features such as ride scheduling and fare estimates. |
| Ride Customization Options | Not specified. | Typically offers limited ride customization options. Riders can usually select their pickup and drop-off locations, and may be able to indicate preferences such as quiet mode or extra legroom in some markets. |
| Waiting Times | Most riders can get a ride within 10 minutes in San Francisco. | Can vary depending on driver availability and demand. May be longer during peak hours or in less densely populated areas. During off-peak hours, wait times can be as short as a few minutes. During peak hours, wait times can extend to 10-20 minutes or longer. |
| Customer Support Responsiveness | Customer service agents available via in-car button, with cameras for assistance. | Offers customer support through various channels, including in-app help, email, and phone support. Response times may vary depending on the nature of the issue and the volume of inquiries. |
| Accessibility Options | Wheelchair-accessible self-driving car (Wav) with ramp and securement system. | Offers Lyft Access, a service that provides wheelchair-accessible vehicles in select markets. Availability may vary depending on the location. |
| Insurance Coverage | Commercial insurance coverage provided by Cruise and Mobilitas Insurance. | Provides insurance coverage for drivers and passengers during rides, including liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. The specific coverage amounts may vary depending on the location and circumstances. |
| Ride Pooling Availability | Not specified. | Offers Lyft Shared, a ride-pooling option that allows riders to share their ride with others going in the same direction. This option is typically available in select markets and may offer lower fares. |