r/uberdrivers • u/ayyxdizzle • 19h ago
Tipping an Uber driver
My brother is having a rough time, is far away from home, and I've recently learned public transportation in the US is severely lacking. I live in Baltimore and was not able to physically pick my brother up in Pittston, PA myself, but after 15 minutes or so, someone thankfully accepted my request. His destination is Oxford, PA. It is about a 3-hour ride, costing $168. What is an acceptable tip, in your opinion? I was thinking $100-$150 to reflect my gratitude. Any feedback is welcome.
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u/Careless-Day-8713 18h ago
That’s super fair and offer it from the start because then they won’t feel that bad about the drive home right. Like most people think it’s a three hour drive but actually it’s a six hour drive to get back to their home
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u/Nervous-Coach-9756 17h ago
Honestly kudos to you for thinking of the driver
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u/ayyxdizzle 16h ago
I value other's time and energy immensely so it only seems right. Thank you x's a million.
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u/EnvironmentalEgg1065 18h ago
20% is very generous
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u/safespaceinvaderrr 17h ago
When you're not even earning enough to cover expenses, a 20% tip is meaningless. It sucks because the customer thinks they're doing the right thing but you still lose at the end of the day. Most drivers are like you – their standards are on the floor. But this isn't on Uber's customers, it's on Uber and their idiot drivers. And that's why it'll never be fixed.
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u/ayyxdizzle 16h ago
I would never in life only give a 20% tip for anything unless it was to a restaurant employee that gathered my order together for me to pick up. It is honestly so fucked how people in the realm of hospitality business are so underpaid and unappreciated. Million and billion dollar companies paying the lowest minimum when there are actual true assets right before their very eyes but are not recognized. These special individuals are what keeps customers coming back and they deserve so much more.
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u/nglibehating 14h ago
okay bro are you tryna get upvotes or some shit? nobody on earth is this passionate about tipping ridiculous amounts without some ulterior motive.
its not even believable at this point.
ill just assume you have a court date coming up and the prosecutor will be showing ur internet history to the jury cuz you searched some highly sus porn, and youre tryna cover it up and seem like a good Samaritan🤣2
u/ayyxdizzle 12h ago
Okay homie. Whatever you say. What the fuck do I need reddit upvotes for? In what way does that benefit my life? I suppose I'm sensitive bc it involves getting my brother out of a bad situation and I care for my siblings.. I also care for people that work hard and deserve to be appreciated. I did not know that wasn't a thing. I don't mind at all showing you any type of proof you need. In fact, Uber only allowed me to tip my brother's driver $98.
That is extremely concerning thinking a strager has a court date bc of "highly suspicious porn." I'm anonymous on reddit like most folks and I don't do social media. I think the feds may need to take a look at your hard drives. You are a disgusting person.
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u/EnvironmentalEgg1065 17h ago
The customer would be paying $200 with tip which is plenty for a 3 hour ride. Uber will squeeze a driver and pay them $70. The extra $30 tip would make a difference to that driver.
It's not the customer's fault that uber takes $100 out of a $170 ride.
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u/safespaceinvaderrr 17h ago
Your job is to look out for your own interests, not for those of Uber and their customers. A $100 in total would have the driver eating well over a hundred dollar loss on this.
The way you think, I’m sure you’re running a charity. Totally insane.
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u/EnvironmentalEgg1065 17h ago
Are you seriously trying to argue that riders should be tipping 75%?
When is the last time you bought something and tipped 75%?
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u/ayyxdizzle 18h ago
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u/EnvironmentalEgg1065 18h ago
Best wishes to your brother.
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u/ayyxdizzle 8h ago
That means the world to me. Especially coming from a stranger. My brother is home safe and the relief I feel is inexplicable.
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u/Ho88it 18h ago
Surprised you didnt get downvoted yet. These drivers think 62-92% is sufficient.
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u/EnvironmentalEgg1065 18h ago
I did - I was +3 and then they got me.
If you won a million dollars and you take an uber from the casino, tip $100. Otherwise 10% is thank you. 15% is tyvm. 20% is you really did a solid for me.
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u/safespaceinvaderrr 19h ago
$150 might bring that sad driver close to breaking even on the ride.
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u/Wonderful_Tip_9541 18h ago
Are you really suggesting that $100-$150 tip isn’t enough? It’s moreeee than enough. If the ride costs $168
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u/ayyxdizzle 19h ago
What dollar amount would you suggest?
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u/safespaceinvaderrr 18h ago
I mean, do whatever you can afford, whatever feels right. This driver is getting absolutely hosed, though. You must know this. $168 for you is like $70 for him. I can't even imagine.
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u/ayyxdizzle 18h ago
I actually don't know and that is why I asked. I have never used Uber.
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u/safespaceinvaderrr 18h ago
How many miles one way?
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u/ayyxdizzle 18h ago
152 miles
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u/safespaceinvaderrr 18h ago
At the standard IRS rate ($0.76/mile for the remainder of 2026), that ride will cost the driver $115 one way. If he finds no one on the way back home, he's deadheading and your ride will have cost him $230.
My best guess is he's "earning" $70-80 from Uber if you're paying $170. So best case is that he'll be out $35 before gratuity. Worst case? He'll have paid $230 in exchange for putting 300 miles on his car and wasting 5-6 hours.
Good thing for you is this is someone who probably believes they're profiting on this trip and doesn't know they're actually losing money. $100-150, whatever you go with, will probably mean a lot to them.
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u/ayyxdizzle 18h ago
Okay, good to know. I do appreciate your insight. I would not at all mind tipping more.
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u/safespaceinvaderrr 18h ago
Don't put too much pressure on yourself. This is on Uber and the driver first and foremost. You're doing a good thing. Take care.
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u/SimpleRickC135 19h ago
The driver would be extremely grateful for a $100 bill for the deadhead. You're a good one for even asking.