During lockdowns and shelter-in-place orders, many rideshare drivers turned to other work as a means of remaining financially afloat. Some drivers have come back; however, riders are far outpacing drivers as of right now.
Getting drivers back on the road again
Rideshare services are currently doing their part to get more drivers back on the road again. Uber, for instance, is giving new and returning drivers a stimulus; the company budgeted out a total of $250 million for the stimulus back in April 2021.
Lyft, on the other hand, is doing their part as well. The company maintains that new applicants seeking approval to drive surged by over 25% earlier this year.
At this time, it is unclear when the driver shortage will officially work itself out. Some analysts believe that weeks or months could pass before the supply of drivers catches up to the heavy demand of riders.
