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Comment by nugget | Hacker News Reader

I've noticed that Uber seems to have much more competitive pricing in markets (especially airports) where Lyft is also present, compared to markets where they are the only provider. So personally I would welcome Lyft's rapid international expansion.

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That's because in general Uber is selling at a loss in those markets to try to drive Lyft out of business. Hence why they're burning through cash like an 18 year-old lottery winner.

It's unsustainable and hopefully Lyft can weather it.

> selling at a loss in those markets to try to drive Lyft out of business.

Leaked financials show that Lyft is selling at a far greater loss than Uber. Based on Q2 leaked figures, Uber's losses relative to gross bookings was -8% and Lyft's was 13.5%.

In aggregate yes, but it would be interesting to know what Uber’s numbers are for just the markets where they compete with Lyft.

Other than the leaked financials, I haven't seen any leaked or public information specific to the US alone that suggests that one is subsidizing more than the other. They could be subsidizing equally. Or Uber could be subsidizing more. Or Lyft could be subsidizing more.

Do you have any evidence to demonstrate that only in the US Uber is subsidizing more? If so, please share. I haven't yet heard a single convincing argument supporting this popularly held belief that Uber is subsidizing more.

All I know is that all of Uber's business is more efficient than Lyft. Plus, this is after taking into account that Uber shoulders most of the market's losses when it comes to penetrating a new market and getting laws changed to allow TNCs. Once TNCs are an established business in most markets, the legal costs should drop, shrinking G&A, thus leaving it even more capital efficient.

In my market Lyft line is consistently half the price of Uber pool, I’ve started using Lyft again because of this, experience is identical

In Seattle I am paying $0.00 for uberpool. $14 makes all uberpool rides from home to work and return just $0.00 for 28 days. This also makes all uberX rides $3.49.

How?

Agreed. I fly YYZ-LGA route frequently and notice the differences. Would love to have Lyft (or any other competitor) here in Toronto.

As Uber is not available at YYZ. I do feel Lyft will have the same issue. Politics of money will always play a huge role in this country.

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