A recent viral video on social media has shed light on the experiences of women using rideshare apps late at night. The video, which features a woman sharing her distressing experience with a Lyft driver, has resonated with many female rideshare users who’ve had similar experiences.

In the video, the woman recounts how she was left stranded in Toronto for nearly 45 minutes after booking a trip to Whitby using the Lyft app. According to her, the Lyft driver demanded cash payment for the ride, which she refused, leading to the cancellation of her ride.

In a subsequent interview, the user, who prefers to remain anonymous, revealed that this was the second consecutive time a Lyft driver had demanded extra cash for a long-distance trip.

She further explained that during an initial incident, the driver inquired about the amount she paid for the ride. When she revealed that she paid $62, the driver claimed to only receive $18 and requested to cancel the ride to receive full payment in cash. Feeling desperate to get home, she agreed to e-transfer him the amount, only to regret her decision later.

As the video gained popularity, it sparked an influx of comments from other women who shared similar experiences of being pressured into paying cash or having their rides cancelled.

Another rideshare user, Adeba Siddiqui, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the safety risks these instances pose, especially during late-night rides or long-distance trips.

In response to these incidents, Lyft issued a statement asserting that such behavior is against their policy and drivers who engage in it risk deactivation from the platform.

Another regular Lyft user, Henrietta Francis, also voiced concerns, attributing these issues to low wages received by rideshare drivers. Francis recounted a similar incident where a driver requested cash payment, causing her to feel uncomfortable and unsafe.

The growing concerns and incidents highlight the need for stricter enforcement of policies by rideshare companies to ensure user safety and prevent such uncomfortable situations. The woman who initially shared her experience concluded by expressing her unease over the matter.