They give out signing bonuses to drivers (as much as $2000) and free credits to new riders (as much as $50). Launching in new markets gets expensive quickly with that model.
Yeah my Uber driver when I was in SF gave me $50 Lyft credit, so I just switched over, used the credit and then went back to Uber when it was finished.
Why did you go back to Uber?
I find the app nicer and the drivers less chatty.
I did the same. Advantages of Uber - no tipping and the pool service usually combines two users rather than three with Lyft.
Lyft seems to be a bit (10–20%) cheaper, at least in Ohio.