SANFORD, Fla. – As gas prices continue to climb, people who rely on driving for income are feeling the strain, including ride-share drivers and food delivery workers.
For newer drivers like Lexie Stires, the impact has been immediate. Stires recently began delivering for DoorDash and said fluctuating fuel costs are already cutting into her earnings.
“I always keep an eye on gas prices,” she said. “That was one of my first thoughts — I just started doing this and enjoying it, and now I have to constantly think, is this worth it?”
While working a delivery shift, Stires monitored the app for high-demand areas, accepting orders as they appeared. During one trip, she picked up a food order and delivered it to a nearby home, earning $5.50 from DoorDash and a $2 tip.
She said tipping has become more important than ever as drivers try to offset rising costs.
“That really affects their income,” Stires said. “Even if you can’t tip much, just something helps. Seeing zero makes it feel like people don’t care.”
DoorDash recently announced an emergency gas relief program aimed at helping drivers manage higher fuel costs. The company said the program includes 10% cash back on gas for drivers using a company card, along with weekly payments ranging from $5 to $15 for those who drive at least 125 miles.
Stires said she was unaware of the program until recently but believes it is a necessary step.
“I think that’s definitely something they should do if they want to keep drivers on the road,” she said.
Even with potential relief, Stires said she is keeping a close eye on her gas gauge and hoping prices stabilize soon.
“I just hope they don’t stay like this forever or go up too high,” she said.
Uber and Lyft also said they are offering incentives to drivers, including cash-back opportunities based on the number of trips completed.