Local rideshare drivers are calling for an additional $1.40 per mile and 45 cents per minute for rides, along with a $15 minimum fare for airport trips.
Author: Richard Allyn
Published: 9:22 PM PDT June 17, 2026
Updated: 9:22 PM PDT June 17, 2026
SAN DIEGO — San Diego rideshare drivers gathered at Waterfront Park on Wednesday to demand higher compensation from Uber and Lyft, arguing that rising expenses for fuel, insurance and vehicle maintenance have outpaced their earnings.
The rally was organized by San Diego Drivers United, a local nonprofit advocacy group founded by rideshare driver Luis Arias. The group is calling for an additional $1.40 per mile and 45 cents per minute for rides, along with a $15 minimum fare for trips to and from San Diego International Airport.
“We’re not making enough: not at all,” said Uber driver Rosa Bojorges during the demonstration.
Arias, who has driven for Uber for eight years, said many drivers are frustrated with their earnings and believe the current pay structure is unfair.
“They are very angry because Uber is taking up to 70% on every ride, and drivers are investing in our cars, investing our time,” Arias said. “They feel like it’s not fair.”
Arias said the group’s proposed compensation increases would help drivers cover operating costs.
“That actually will compensate our time, but will also be able to cover the expenses that we have, like cell phone service, insurance, the vehicle payment,” he said.
Driver Librado Rivera, who said he spends more than 50 hours a week driving for both Uber and Lyft, described recent years as financially challenging.
“The last two years, it has been very difficult to make money,” Rivera said.
He added that some longer trips do not generate enough income after expenses are deducted.
“(It) pretty much goes to gas,” Rivera said of the earnings from some rides,” and to car maintenance.”
Drivers also highlighted concerns about low-paying airport trips. Bojorges said fares from downtown hotels to the airport can sometimes pay drivers as little as a few dollars.
“Downtown hotels to the airport, it’s sometimes three dollars,” she said.
“It’s not worth it at all, especially with the gas prices,” Bojorges added.
Any increase in driver compensation could potentially result in higher fares for riders. Among passengers interviewed at San Diego International Airport, opinions on the proposal were mixed.
“I would support it for sure,” said Wilton Armstrong, who said helping workers earn enough to support their families is important.
“People don’t have a lot of jobs, and they’re trying to find part-time gigs, and whatever it takes for people to be able to put food on the table for their family, I think that’s important,” Armstrong said.
Another rider, Ryan Schwark, expressed concern about the potential impact on fares while expressing empathy for the workers.
“I hate to say it, but if the cost was a little bit higher when I’m looking at the app, I just might want to walk,” Schwark said.
CBS 8 contacted Uber and Lyft for comment. They had not yet responded as of Wednesday evening.
