We would like to inform you of a recent decision made by Lyft and Uber, which is beyond our control. In April 2023, Lyft announced the discontinuation of their shared rides program called Lyft Shared. Additionally, Uber’s shared rides program, UberX Shared, currently does not support tax-free commuter benefits.
It’s no secret ride-hailing is popular to get around now. More than a third of Americans have used ride-hailing services like Uber. And more than 20 percent say they use a ridesharing service every month. Since it’s growing at a fast rate, people often ask, “Does Uber qualify for commuter benefits?
The answer is yes, but there’s an important distinction.
How to use commuter benefits to pay for Uber?
To have your commuter benefits savings pay for Uber, you must use it for the rideshare UberPOOL. You can’t use for rides like Comfort, Uber XL and Uber X rides.
It’s the same deal if you use another ride-hailing service like Lyft, where only the Lyft Shared carpool is available for commuter benefits.
>>Learn more how to use commuter benefits to pay for Uber?<<
What is a rideshare service?
If you’re not familiar with ridesharing, here’s a quick primer. Ridesharing is when you schedule a ride, but are also sharing the vehicle with other riders.
One of the great things about ride-hailing is the convenience factor. Rideshares are just as convenient as a regular Uber or Lyft ride. However, the rides can take longer as you are sharing the vehicle with up to 5 other riders.
UberPOOL riders make up about 20 percent of all Uber riders, so it’s a popular service.
In terms of payment, businesses who use Edenred Commuter Benefit Solutions to administer commuter benefits need the Commuter Check Prepaid Mastercard for their employees. You add the card to your Uber app and would select the prepaid card as your payment method.
Get an Uber ride and save money to get to or from work
Though you use UberPOOL instead of the more common rides, everything else stays the same with your commuter benefits. You can still save up to $265 per month in your paychecks tax-free to pay for your rideshares.
If you’d like, you can also use your savings toward public transit, like the subway or a bus, or qualified parking. Commuter benefits are a great benefit to give to employees because they can save up to 40 percent on their commuting costs. Meanwhile, businesses can save $41 per month per employee who takes advantage of the commuter benefits option.
Want to learn more about commuter benefits? Download the 101 Guide:
