I’m typically a fan of Lyft, and use it all the time in NYC. However, had an interesting experience today using their Lyft Line service. For those not familiar with Lyft or Uber, they both offer an option to share your ride with others, which is at a discounted price. Lyft offers Lyft Line, and Uber has Uber Pool.

As I wasn’t in a rush, I chose the Lyft Line option, and waited outside to get picked up. I got picked up by a friendly driver and saw on the app that I was the only passenger so far on the route. As we start driving off, the driver says to me “I see you requested Lyft Line, you know we will have to make other stops”. I told him I knew that it was Lyft Line and understood that we may be making other stops.

Then the driver, says to me, if you give me a $5 tip, I won’t stop and make other pick-ups on the way. I told him again, that I was okay with making other stops, which I don’t think he was pleased about. Then, I see on his app we do get another request to pick someone else to this he says there’s too much traffic by Penn Station (where this other pick-up was) so he’s not gonna pick her up….

I finally get to my destination and get out and when the option comes up for a tip, I didn’t leave anything. I never once agreed to tipping him $5 for not making any other stops, I said I was fine to pick other people up, and he chose not to pick the other passenger up.

If you are new to Lyft, you can sign-up here and get a welcome offer based on your city!

I can’t help but wonder if this driver actually has good success with this tactic. Has anyone else ever been propositioned by a driver before for a tip? Feel free to share below.