Driving more hours is not the only way to earn more. Often, the smarter move is to waste less: less waiting, less fuel and fewer empty kilometres.
Here are nine practical tips for e-hailing drivers, and how Loop helps.
1. Know your busy times
Most cities have the same rhythm. Across Gauteng, from Joburg and Pretoria to the East Rand, mornings and late afternoons on weekdays are busy, and so are Friday and Saturday nights. Track your own trips for a couple of weeks to learn what works in your area.
2. Go where the riders are
Sitting in a quiet area burns time. Learn where riders book at different times of the day, and move closer to them. Loop helps you see where demand is.
3. Make the drive home pay
The trip home is often an empty one. Plan your last trips of the day so they take you in the right direction. Loop helps drivers earn on the way home too.
4. Keep a routine
Drivers who start at the same times each day learn their area faster and get to know the busy times. Pick a routine that fits your life, and stick to it.
5. Go for the right bonuses
Loop rewards drivers with bonuses on top of trip earnings. Pick the ones that fit how you already drive. Do not burn extra fuel chasing a bonus that will not pay off.
6. Look after your rating
A good rating keeps riders happy and helps you move up from Bronze to Silver to Gold. Small things matter:
- A clean car that smells fresh.
- A phone charger riders can use.
- Calm, safe driving.
- Respect quiet ride requests.
- A friendly message to confirm pickup.
7. Think about the whole trip
Far pickups cost you fuel and time. Think about the whole trip, pickup included, before you accept. Loop takes long pickups into account too.
8. Manage cash smartly
Cash trips are popular, but carrying lots of cash is risky. On Loop:
- You can choose whether to accept cash trips.
- There is a daily cash limit to keep you safer.
- What you owe from cash trips is paid down by card trips, and you can settle the rest online. No daily cash drop-offs.
9. Save on fuel
- Keep your tyres at the right pressure.
- Service your car on time.
- Drive smoothly. Hard braking and fast starts burn fuel.
- Do not idle for long periods with the engine on.
Bonus: share your referral code
Know someone who would be a great driver or a regular rider? Share your referral code in the app.
Know your numbers
Tips only help if you know your real earnings. Read our guide on how to work out your real take-home pay.
Not driving with Loop yet? See what driving with Loop is like.
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