Lyft Tolls Reimbursement: What You Need to Know

As a rideshare driver, one of the many questions that often arises is whether you get reimbursed for tolls. This blog post aims to provide clarity on this topic, dispelling common misunderstandings and providing accurate information based on real experiences and company policies.

Do Lyft Drivers Get Reimbursed for Tolls?

Technically, no. However, it's essential to understand the nuances of what tolls are covered under the ride-you're-taking formula. If you are in the middle of a ride with a passenger and use a toll road, the passenger is responsible for paying the toll, which is added to the total fare. In this scenario, the toll reimbursement is not applicable to you as the driver.

Toll Reimbursement Under Specific Circumstances

However, there are instances where toll reimbursement can be claimed:

Passenger presence: If you have a passenger in the vehicle when you cross a toll bridge, the toll is automatically included in the passenger's fare. In such cases, you would not need to pay. Return trip tolls: If you have to pay a toll to return to the city after dropping off a passenger, you may not get reimbursed. This is because you are not picking up a new passenger in this situation. Encouragement to drive back: In some instances, such as crossing a bridge in Illinois, Lyft incentivizes drivers to return to the city by paying them the full toll amount if they have a passenger in the vehicle.

Create a Lucid Picture for Rideshare Companies

Some drivers, such as Alan Sperling, suggest that rideshare companies sometimes pay drivers for tolls, even if the driver is not driving a passenger. This depends on the specific company's policies and the circumstances under which the toll was paid.

For instance, in Indianapolis to Chicago, one driver reported an Uber expense of $185. This includes a $3.50 return to Indianapolis. While these expenses can be difficult to get reimbursed, drivers should provide evidence of the additional costs. This can include photos and detailed documentation of the toll payment.

Examples of Toll Reimbursement

As demonstrated by a driver in Milwaukee, tolls in Illinois can be reimbursed once per trip if a transponder device is used. This significantly reduces the toll amount to around half.

Another example involves Uber in Illinois, where an iPASS device can halve the toll expenses, and the company offers full reimbursement for tolls if a passenger is present. This encourages drivers to take these routes, but it is vital to document and submit the receipts to the rideshare company.

Final Thoughts

While rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber do not typically reimburse drivers for tolls, it is important to understand the exceptions and provide evidence of the expenses when claiming reimbursement. Drivers should keep detailed records of toll payments and submit them through the appropriate channels within the company. By being well-informed and providing clear documentation, drivers can ensure they receive fair compensation for their expenses.

Remember: Clear communication and evidence are key to securing reimbursement for tolls as a rideshare driver.