Engaging with passengers can make a world of difference for rideshare drivers. Gabe Ets-Hokin, a part-time Uber and Lyft driver based in Oakland, California, has discovered unique ways to increase his tips—including using a ukulele and driving an electric vehicle (EV).
Source: Gabe Ets-Hokin
Gabe Ets-Hokin was looking for a way to improve his tips and found success in the most unexpected place—a ukulele.
“It sparks lots of questions, conversations, and connections,” says the 56-year-old driver. “Sometimes I’ll play it for people, or better yet, I’ll give it to a passenger to play.”
Since introducing his ukulele in January 2023, Ets-Hokin has noticed consistent increases in his tips. His average tip per ride rose from $1.05 in 2022 to $1.19 in 2023, eventually reaching $1.24 in 2024. Tips made up 19% of his rideshare income last year, compared to just 12% two years prior.
Ets-Hokin attributes part of this success to how the ukulele creates a friendly and engaging atmosphere that encourages conversations with passengers.
Conversations Drive Tips
Beyond the ukulele, Ets-Hokin emphasizes the importance of meaningful exchanges with riders. “If somebody gets in your car and treats you like a robot, there’s almost no chance that they’re going to tip you,” he observes. “The surest way to get higher tips is to interact with passengers.”
His EV also plays a significant role in sparking conversations. After purchasing a Tesla in 2021, riders would frequently ask about the car, leading to discussions that often resulted in tips. When he upgraded to a Hyundai IONIQ 5 in 2023, the car piqued even more interest because of its relatively unfamiliar design.
“This frequently leads to a ‘connection’ type of conversation, which often results in a tip,” he explains.
Still, not every rider is interested in a dialogue, and even after positive interactions, some passengers simply don’t tip. Nevertheless, Ets-Hokin highlights that consistent effort improves the odds of receiving one.
Challenges of Tipping in Ridesharing
Earning tips in the rideshare industry has always been challenging. Ets-Hokin isn’t alone in his experience. Over the past two years, numerous Uber and Lyft drivers have shared stories about their struggles to secure consistent tips. While strategies such as focusing on airport rides or directly asking for tips can help, they often yield mixed results.
Drivers have also pointed out that tipping culture for rideshare services tends to lag behind that of delivery platforms like DoorDash and Instacart. Data from Gridwise, a gig-driving data analytics platform, revealed that tipping on rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft is notably less frequent compared to delivery services.
Making Ridesharing Profitable
Ets-Hokin drives part-time, clocking about 15 hours per week. Despite earning $24,000 in 2024 after fees and commissions (excluding vehicle costs such as gas and maintenance), he finds driving profitable only during specific time frames.
He focuses on two key weekend windows, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., claiming they are the most lucrative. “The best hourly pay is during busy weekend evenings,” he notes. During these periods, he estimates he can earn up to $40 per hour after expenses. Another bonus? Weekend rides usually come with more opportunities for conversations and better tips.
On the other hand, early morning and late afternoon commuters often don’t engage, which limits his earning potential.
The Broader Context
While rideshare companies continue to tout driver earnings, tipping remains an area where improvements are needed. For example, Lyft recently reported its drivers earned nearly $9 billion in 2024, the highest in company history, but did not provide specific data on tips.
Additionally, regulations like California’s Proposition 22, enacted in 2020, officially classify drivers as independent contractors and establish a wage floor of 120% of the minimum wage. While helpful, the relatively low wage floor means some drivers, like Ets-Hokin, remain cautious about dedicating additional hours to driving.
Creativity Pays Off on the Road
For Ets-Hokin, creativity and interaction remain core strategies to maximize income. From strumming a ukulele to chatting openly about EVs, he demonstrates that making a small effort to connect with passengers can lead to meaningful rewards.
His final advice for other drivers? Bring humanity to the ride. “Unfortunately, most a.m. or p.m. commuters are uninterested in interacting with their drivers,” he shares. But for those willing to engage, the rewards are often more than worth it.
Ets-Hokin’s story reminds us that in a competitive rideshare industry, a little creativity and conversation can go a long way toward making the experience better for both drivers and riders.
Source: Business Insider
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