How cities are riding, tipping, and going green
We all know what it really means when someone says they’re “calling a car.” They're opening an app.
Rideshare companies like Uber have become an essential part of urban transportation and a staple of business travel.
But not all Ubers are created equal. The app continues to offer new tiers and service options—meanwhile, riders need to consider price surges and availability in their area. We wanted to know how these considerations played out in major metros. Does San Francisco’s 7x7-mile footprint make surge pricing more tolerable than in the roughly 500-square miles that make up Los Angeles? Which cities are more likely to tip?
To find out, we analyzed Uber transaction data from 13 major cities: Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, and Washington DC.
Here’s what we learned.
Surge price patterns vary by city
Generally speaking, the cost of an Uber is based on supply and demand. More demand for rides = higher surge pricing. We looked at the peak ride times to investigate when Uber may be the most expensive.
Peak times by city
Peak ride demand for business travelers often aligns with commuting hours—but not always. It varies by city, and the destination’s local culture makes a big difference.
In business and finance hubs like New York, Washington DC, and Atlanta, demand spikes early in the morning (6–8 AM). We might assume this is when professionals like bank executives, consultants, and government employees commute to their offices or catch early flights. These types of businesspeople often need to be somewhere at a specific time every morning.
Tech cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and Toronto see a different pattern, with peak demand in the evening (4–6 PM). Many tech companies offer flexible work schedules and team outings, which may push ride demand later in the day. Plus, many tech campuses offer shuttles, delaying Uber usage until after company-sponsored bus routes finish for the day.
Cities that often host conventions and tradeshows, like Chicago, Dallas, and Austin, have lunchtime Uber peaks (12–3 PM). Conference attendees and business travelers may be moving between corporate events, creating steady midday demand.
Finally, entertainment cities like Los Angeles, Miami, and Las Vegas have the latest Uber peaks (7–11 PM). LA demand picks up around dinnertime, also a common time for industry events to begin, while Miami and Vegas—known for their 24/7 nightlife—see ride demand quite late at night.
Save on T&E with off-peak transportation
While many corporate travelers can’t adjust their schedules, companies can encourage employees to keep an eye on surge pricing. Sometimes waiting just a few minutes can make a difference in cost.
80% of Uber rides heading from JFK into New York City are more expensive than the $70 taxi flat rate.
Pro tip: An airport Uber can be pricier than a cab. According to our data, roughly 80% of Uber rides heading from JFK into New York City are more expensive than the $70 taxi flat rate.
Don’t skip the tip
We looked at how often riders tip their drivers—and frankly, we were disappointed! In every city we analyzed, less than 50% of folks leave a tip.
The worst cities in the tipping hall of shame? Chicago comes in last, with only 34% of riders adding a tip. New York City (35%), Miami (36%), Dallas (37%), and Los Angeles (38%) are also in the bottom five.
The top five tipping cities? Atlanta (45% of rides tipped), Seattle (44%), San Francisco (43%), Washington, DC (42%), and Boston (41%).
Riders who took more premium rides tended to tip more. Uber Black riders tipped 46% of rides, while UberX riders tipped 37% of rides.
Riders are going green
Many riders opt for the standard Uber categories: UberX (the most affordable), Uber Black (the most luxe), and Uber Comfort (the mid-priced “goldilocks” option). But travelers should also consider newer options Uber Green and Comfort Electric for more environmentally friendly rides.
Cities with the most (and fewest) green riders
San Francisco, New York City, Boston, Seattle, and Washington, DC are booking the most Green and Comfort Electric rides. According to CNBC, these cities are listed among the top 10 most sustainable cities in the U.S., with DC ranking number 2, SF and Seattle coming in at numbers 3 and 4, while NYC still makes the list at number 7.
Costs and carbon footprints
Choosing a Green or Comfort Electric ride is eco-friendly—and it could also save a bit of money. Based on our analysis of all 14 cities, while UberX remains the most affordable option, we found that riders can save up to 40% per mile by choosing a Green or Comfort Electric ride instead of an Uber Black.
Companies looking to balance their T&E costs with reducing carbon impact may want to encourage employees to choose Uber Green or Comfort Electric when available.
One thing’s certain: Uber is a top travel expense for employees on the road, and that’s not changing anytime soon. With a bit of thoughtfulness, we can make riding—and bottom lines—a little better for everyone.