SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Gas prices are driving many rideshare drivers up the wall. With gas nearing $5 across central Illinois, many rideshare drivers say they are feeling a real pinch.
“We make below minimum wage. Now, gas prices are cutting even further into our safety and stability,” said driver Giovanni Suarez.
Suarez drives for Uber and Lyft. As gas prices continue to rise, he said a bigger chunk is coming out of his pay.
“Every week, I spend about $300 on gas — between $300 and $400, depending on how much I drive,” Suarez said.
Fuel is not the only cost that drivers face.
“Rideshare drivers spend a lot on gas, but we also have to have our own insurance. We also need to maintain our vehicles, and we need to make repairs. I changed my own brakes for $2,000 this year,” Suarez said.
The Illinois Drivers’ Alliance is calling on lawmakers to take action. Suarez said drivers should be allowed to fight for protections and better pay from rideshare companies.
“Our car isn’t free. The depreciation of our vehicles because of our miles is costing us thousands a year. Uber and Lyft have us covering that cost for them, and they get to profit from that,” Suarez said.
Both Uber and Lyft launched fuel relief programs where drivers can redeem between four cents and $1 per gallon.
“We may get a little benefit here and there from each of these companies. But we get 20 or 30 cents. That isn’t very helpful,” Suarez said.
Hundreds of other drivers agree with Suarez, calling on lawmakers to allow rideshare drivers to unionize and collectively bargain for better working conditions.
“Many of them are temporary workers — 80%. However, many are full-time drivers. They don’t have another choice. Some of them have been laid off, like me, and we’re driving full time,” Suarez said.
The rideshare driver union bill is currently stalled in committee.
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