[jngreenlee]

The culture of Lyft (which will merge with the culture of Uber over time I believe) has been more friendly, more conversational where I live.

I always sit up front and talk with the person, learn what else they do, how long they've lived in the area.

When I try this with Uber (esp in SF), they often show me a thumb pointing towards the backseat instead!

[pavel_lishin]

I find that very odd; I haven't noticed that much of a difference between any of the taxi-like apps I've used. I almost always end up sitting in the front, especially in Austin.

Plus, don't most drivers drive for both companies at the same time?

[jngreenlee]

Not all, surprisingly! I find a lot of Lyft-only drivers when I'm riding. Their lease/rent programs have helped this.

[carb]

That's a surprising experience, I take an Uber at least 2-3 times a week in the bay area and I sit up front almost every single time, unless I have a package with me. I have never been asked to sit in the backseat, even after >700 Uber rides.

[cfreeman]

Here in Portland almost every driver uses both apps so I don't find a difference in driving. I prefer Uber simply because there's less expectation of tipping and the price is about the same.

[criddell]

> there's less expectation of tipping

What on earth gave you that idea?

[lda]

There is no tipping expectation with Uber, no matter what disgruntled drivers on reddit say.

[criddell]

In the US there certainly is. I don't know what it's like in other countries though.

If the driver doesn't want a tip, they will turn it down.

[ihsw2]

I have never experienced this, always sat up front. Hundreds of rides.