Uber added the ability for passengers to tip inside the app in 2017 (Lyft previously added a similar option), but drivers still struggle with a lack of tips from many rides.
"Most people do not tip," Jenny said. "I've found they're more likely to tip if I have a conversation, but a lot of people just don't want to tip."
Toni also had a similar experience: "A big sore spot for drivers is the lack of tipping," she said. "An example is the day before Christmas I gave 12 rides and not a single person tipped. It's the lack of etiquette and entitlement passengers have been lulled to feel it is not necessary."
Overall, however, drivers are conflicted about how necessary tipping is (as opposed to other service industries, like restaurants for example, where they are expected as part of a worker's total pay).
"For myself, I never expect it," said Frank. "It all depends on the rider and is at their discretion. It shouldn't be mandatory and it's not what we signed up for. We're already getting paid, so if they do tip it's a plus."