📰 Lyft Apologizes for Model Y Black Tier Removal

Lyft apologizes for mistakenly removing Tesla Model Y from platform. Uber CEO talks robotaxis and driver earnings on a podcast. Waymo reaches 10 million robotaxi trips. Tesla’s AI chief admits lag behind Waymo but touts cost advantage. DoorDash 2025 report reveals customers like AI recommendations and sober curiosity is reshaping food delivery.

We break it all down for you. 

RSG Exclusive: Lyft Apologizes for Mistaken Removal of Tesla Model Y from Black Tier for Most Drivers

SOURCE – @SergioAved on X.com

Lyft recently caused confusion and frustration among drivers by mistakenly saying they were going to be removing Tesla Model Y vehicles from its premium Lyft Black platform. After days of uncertainty, Lyft CEO David Risher acknowledged the mistake on @SergioAved’s X account and clarified that Lyft is only removing Model Y vehicles from New York City and Chicago, due to high passenger cancellations.

• The company later issued an official statement explaining that an in-app error caused drivers outside certain markets to receive the removal message by mistake.

• The issue gained attention after Chuck Rider, RSG Contributor, highlighted the problem on YouTube. Many drivers expressed concerns, especially since Lyft had recently incentivized Tesla purchases.

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi Talks Driver Earnings, Robotaxis on Podcast

SOURCE – The Verge

In an interview with The Verge’s Nilay Patel, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi addressed key issues facing Uber, including driver earnings and potential competition in the robotaxi space from Tesla’s Robotaxi fleet. He emphasized Uber’s focus on increasing demand to boost driver earnings and expressed openness to collaborating with Tesla, but questioned the feasibility of their camera-only autonomous driving system.

• To increase driver earnings, Khosrowshahi aims to bring more rides to drivers, citing New York City where drivers earn over $50 per utilized hour.

• Regarding Tesla’s Robotaxi plans, he believes individual Tesla owners who want to rent out their vehicles for rideshare should be able to benefit from accessing both Tesla and Uber networks.

• On the podcast, Khosrowshahi said one of his toughest decisions was combining Uber’s Rides and Eats product teams, which initially faced challenges internally.

Waymo Hits 10 Million Robotaxi Trips, Challenges Uber and Lyft with Rapid Expansion

SOURCE – CNBC

Waymo, the Alphabet-owned autonomous ride-hailing company, has achieved a significant milestone of 10 million paid robotaxi trips, doubling its previous figure in just five months. The company is currently delivering over 250K paid rides per week across Austin, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix, cutting into Uber and Lyft’s market share.

• While not yet profitable, Mawakana stated that Waymo is focused on building a sustainable business with a clear path to profitability.

• However, as it expands its fleet with LIDAR-equipped robotaxis, acquiring more vehicles will be a costly endeavor. Camera-based solutions, like Tesla’s system, may not be as safe as LIDAR-powered options..

• Waymo recently gained approval to expand its service to more parts of the San Francisco Bay Area, including San Jose.

Tesla’s AI Chief Admits Lag Behind Waymo, Touts Cost Advantage in Autonomous Driving Race

SOURCE – Electrek

On a podcast, Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla’s head of AI and autonomy, admitted that the company is “lagging by a couple years” behind Waymo in autonomous driving technology. Despite this acknowledgment, Elluswamy emphasized Tesla’s cost advantage, stating that their approach is much cheaper while aiming for equal quality.

• This rare candid admission contrasts with CEO Elon Musk’s previous claims of Tesla’s superiority in the autonomous driving field, and only being a few years away from the public launch of a rideshare service.

• Tesla plans to start offering level 4 autonomous rides in Austin next month, using the same hardware as their consumer vehicles but with optimized software and teleoperation support. Waymo has been providing level 4 autonomous rides for years.

DoorDash 2025 Report: AI, Viral Trends, and Sober Curiosity

SOURCE – DoorDash Newsroom

DoorDash has released its annual Delivery Trends Report for 2025, highlighting significant changes in consumer behavior and preferences in the food delivery industry. Key findings include increased openness to AI-recommended dishes, a rise in low- and no-alcohol beverage orders, and the impact of viral food trends on ordering decisions.

• 52% of diners are open to AI-based restaurant recommendations, but only 15% fully trust AI to prepare meals.

• 98% of consumers have ordered delivery to satisfy cravings, with generational differences in “guilty pleasure” orders. Gen Z and Millennials order fast food, Gen X orders pizza, while Boomers order cake and ice cream.

• 80% of alcohol delivery customers ordered low- or non-alcoholic drinks in the past six months, more than double the previous year’s figure.

Express Drive Rentals on Lyft, How Much Less Are These Drivers Paid?

SOURCE – YouTube Shorts

Just how much less are drivers enrolled in the Lyft Express Drive program making? Not only are these drivers paying Lyft a weekly rental fee for their vehicles, but are also required to give anywhere between 20 and 40 rides. And they’re also making roughly 50% less than someone who owns a vehicle! Learn more from the YouTube Short!

QUICK HITS

• A Toronto mother is seeking compensation and policy changes from Uber after her 5-year-old daughter was accidentally driven away by an Uber driver. She claims the company allegedly refused to contact the driver due to privacy concerns during the 80-minute ordeal. – People

• There are claims that Lyft “cheated” to win a bike share contract in the City of Los Angeles. – LA Public Press

• Want to learn more about the robotaxi industry? Subscribe to The Driverless Digest, our new newsletter and podcast dedicated to the future of autonomous vehicles.

Must Listen Or Watch RSG Content

Here are this week’s featured podcast episode and YouTube videos:

• RSG264: Should Rideshare Drivers be Worried About Autonomous Vehicles?

• Why Uber & Lyft Delay Driver Pay – On Purpose

• Shared Rides at Airports? Lyft’s Newest Test

• Uber Tried to Shut This Down… But It’s Now in the U.S.

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