How estimates work

We estimate each ride by multiplying your trip distance and traffic-adjusted duration against each provider's published or empirically-derived rate card, then applying factors for time of day, weather, and heavy traffic. We calibrate rates from public NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission trip data and refine them over time using rider reports.

Some providers, particularly Uber, use personalized pricing that can vary fare by rider. Our estimates reflect the typical fare for a trip of the shown distance and duration; your actual fare may be higher or lower.

CheaperDriver is an independent comparison tool. We are not owned by, operated by, or endorsed by Uber Technologies, Lyft, Curb Mobility, or NYC TLC. Provider names are used nominatively to identify the services being compared.

Data sources

• NYC TLC Trip Records — Public monthly dataset of every NYC Uber, Lyft, and yellow-cab trip. Used to calibrate per-mile and per-minute rates empirically.
• NYC TLC Taxi Fare Schedule — Regulated yellow-cab meter rates, used directly for the Curb (taxi) estimate.
• Google Maps Directions API — Trip distance and traffic-adjusted duration.
• OpenWeatherMap — Current precipitation at pickup used as a surge signal.

Limitations

• Estimates reflect typical fares, not live prices.
• Uber applies personalized pricing that varies per rider and per request.
• Lyft and Curb prices can change with demand, events, and app promotions.
• We don’t estimate tolls; they’re added by the provider at pickup.