If your Uber receipts are starting to sting, it might be time to change your approach. These easy ways to save on rideshares can help you cut costs without cutting convenience.

Many Canadians are feeling the pinch. Between rising fuel and food costs, tariffs slapped on consumer electronics and mortgage renewals with higher rates, chances are you’d welcome a reprieve on products and services you rely on.

With the latter, this likely includes rideshare apps, like Lyft and Uber, to get around in your hometown or while traveling.

The good news is, I've got some tips to help you shave off costs when using popular rideshare services.

Compare multiple apps

Have both Lyft and Uber installed on your phone, as rates can vary greatly between the two rideshare platforms. Generally, Lyft is less expensive—for virtually the same experience—but it pays to check both before you order the ride. Think of it like checking gas prices at two different stations on the same block. Prices can vary.

This is because rideshare rates change throughout the day based on several factors. Depending on where you are, there may be more Uber drivers, since the service has been in Canada longer than Lyft, so you may get a ride faster on Uber than Lyft—but that won’t always be the case. In fact, some drivers work for both companies.

Again, it takes 10 seconds to compare rates on both apps.

Check for promotions and codes

On a related note, both Lyft and Uber frequently offer temporary promotions, referral codes and discounts for both new and existing users. For example, when launching in Halifax, Saskatchewan and Regina a couple of months back, Lyft offered 50 percent off rides on the first five rides (up to $10 per ride) in those markets during the first 14 days after signing up. Cool.

You could also look for coupons and promotional offers in the “Notifications” or “Promos” tab, or in your “Inbox” on the apps.

Also, note that some credit card companies and banks offer discounts on rideshare services.

Have a little time? Share or wait

If offered by the rideshare company, select the shared option when you’re in need of a ride, which means you’re splitting costs with other passengers. But you may not be dropped off first, so don’t select this if you’re in a rush.

Similarly, you may also select the “wait and save” option when looking for a vehicle. As the name suggests, you are charged less by being open to waiting (for up to 15 minutes, typically). Pro tip: I’ve had a lot of luck with selecting this option and getting a driver right away (for less). 

Avoid surge pricing

Prices can be based on supply and demand, on time and location, and so you will often see higher prices when many people near you need a ride—such as when leaving a Blue Jays game or concert, if you're in Toronto.

If you’re able to, wait 10 to 15 minutes for surge pricing to drop or walk for a couple of blocks and open the app again.

A few other money-saving tips to save on rideshares

  • Most rideshare users know this, but different vehicles cost different amounts, like a larger car (Uber XL/XXL or Lyft XL/XXL) or an SUV, “Extra Comfort” or a “Green” ride, so see if you can get by with the less expensive ride option
  • Heavy user? Both Lyft and Uber have subscription services for frequent riders, like Uber One and Lyft Pink, which will save you money over time.
  • Rideshare services let you earn rewards for using their app. With Uber, I added my Aeroplan number. With Lyft, link to your Hilton Honors account and snag savings with DoorDash’s DashPass service.
  • Use the scheduling feature to lock in prices in advance and avoid sudden surges. Tap the “Reserve” tab (in Uber app) or the “Calendar” icon at the bottom of the screen (for Lyft).
  • Split the cost with other people in your party. If offered by the rideshare app, use the “split fare” feature to share the costs of the ride with others on the trip, like three friends heading for a night out.
  • Uber also lets you courier packages or other items to people. In fact, you can get 40 percent off (up to $8) on your first courier trip.
  • With Lyft, older folks can also select Lyft Silver, a service designed to help aging adults with a simplified app, cars that are easy to enter and exit, live phone support and the option to share ride details in real time with people they trust. Note: This isn’t yet available in Québec.
  • If you feel you were unfairly charged for something—like cancelling a driver that was taking too long—you may be charged by the app. But I’ve found it pays to dispute it (and both Lyft and Uber have great customer service). In some cases, they’ll automatically credit you for the amount you’re disputing instead of explaining why you’re fighting it in the first place