Cruise is ideal for users interested in experiencing autonomous vehicle technology and environmentally friendly transportation, provided they are within the limited service areas and are comfortable with the safety measures in place. Lyft is a more readily available option for users needing transportation across a wider area, but the experience can vary based on driver availability and vehicle conditions.
| Attribute | Cruise Driverless Taxi | Lyft Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Availability | Cruise has operated driverless ride-hailing services in San Francisco, Austin, and Phoenix. Operations were halted nationwide in October 2023 due to safety concerns. As of June 2024, Cruise is re-launching in Dallas, but with human drivers initially. | Varies, plan for at least 15 minutes wait time. Affected by factors like number of drivers, traffic, and peak hours. |
| Pricing Structure | Includes a base cost, per-mile charge, and per-minute charge, plus city tax. In 2022, rates included a $5 base cost, $0.90 per mile, and $0.40 per minute, plus a 1.5% city tax. No surge pricing. | Includes base fare, cost per mile, and cost per minute (vary by city), service fee, and potential third-party fees. Prices may increase during peak hours. Wait time fees may apply if driver waits more than 2 minutes. |
| Vehicle Cleanliness | Cruise cars are reportedly cleaned daily. GM has patented a self-cleaning floor system for the Cruise Origin. | Maintaining a clean vehicle is crucial for drivers. Lyft provides cleaning guidelines. |
| Ride Comfort | Cruise cars in Austin are Chevy Bolts and feel brand new. Interior temperature is often set to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, with calm blue ambient lighting. | Influenced by legroom and suspension. |
| App Usability | Cruise has both iOS and Android apps for ride-hailing. The app allows users to set their destination and shows a detailed map. | User-friendly with features like trip sharing and emergency assistance. |
| Safety Measures | Cameras in the car, an 'end ride' button, and the ability to contact a customer service agent. Equipped with advanced sensors and machine learning algorithms. | Driver screening, in-app safety features, insurance coverage, real-time ride monitoring, and 24/7 safety support. |
| Geographic Coverage | Operated in San Francisco, Austin, and Phoenix. Limited to a 7-by-7-mile area of San Francisco, with operations between 10 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.. | United States and Canada. Rides can go outside coverage area but not exceed 100 miles. |
| Wait Times | Users are added to a waitlist. | Varies, plan for at least 15 minutes. |
| Customer Support Responsiveness | Customer service agent available via a button in the car. | Safety team available 24/7 via phone or chat. |
| Vehicle Technology | Customized versions of Chevy Bolt electric vehicles. Developing a purpose-built autonomous vehicle called Origin. Cars have spinning, whirring sensors on their rooftops. | Committed to 100% electric vehicles by 2030; Green Cities Initiative. |
| Accessibility Options | Cruise has unveiled a wheelchair-accessible robotaxi called the Cruise WAV. The Cruise WAV has a built-in ramp with pop-up rails and lowers itself for easier boarding and disembarking. | "Access Mode" for wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAV), Lyft Assisted rides. |
| Environmental Impact | Uses customized versions of Chevy Bolt electric vehicles, which have racked up 2.7 million zero-emission miles. Sources renewable solar energy and produces zero carbon emissions. | Transitioning to electric vehicles, offsetting emissions. |
| Price | Not available | Not available |
| Ratings | Overall: Not available, Performance: Not available | Not available |