KPRC tests Uber, Lyft, Yellow Cab in Houston

HOUSTON – How do you catch a ride in Houston?

In this age of Uber, Lyft and so many new apps that replace traditional cabs, getting around town is now easier and more affordable than ever.

So which option is the best one for you?

To find out, we at Channel 2 Investigates assembled a team, including Channel 2 producer Tera Roberson and custom clothing professionals Sway Tabai and Adam Liebold, from Balani Custom Clothiers.

Using our team, we  put Uber, Lyft and Yellow Cab to the test and on the clock.

We all ordered our rides at the exact same time using the Uber app, the Lyft app and the Hail A Cab app, and we all took the very same trip.

Trip No. 1, Katy to Minute Maid Park

I used Uber, Adam rode with Lyft and Sway took Yellow Cab.

Adam, using Lyft, arrived first at 12:51 p.m.

I was in the Uber and arrived one minute later, at 12:52 p.m.

And Sway, who was riding in the Yellow Cab, arrived last at 1:03 p.m., more than 10 minutes after the rest of us.

Sway paid $68.00 for the cab.

I paid $34.31 with Uber.

Adam paid the least, $30.59, with Lyft.

Trip No. 2, Bush Intercontinental Airport to the Capital Grill in the Galleria area

Tera took Lyft, I was in an Uber and Sway was once again in a Yellow Cab.

We hit the road and, once again, Lyft came out on top in both travel time and price.

Tera’s Lyft driver got her there at 4:04 p.m.

My Uber driver delivered me at 4:12 p.m.

And Sway arrived last at 4:14 p.m., just two minutes after me.

This time, Tera paid $35.27 with Lyft, I paid $37.36 with Uber and Sway paid $81.95, more than double the price Tera and I paid.

By the way, all prices listed are what we paid minus any tipping, just the flat price for the ride.

Trip No. 3, from River Oaks to Hobby Airport

Both Tera’s Lyft and Sway's Yellow Cab arrived at Hobby Airport at the exact same time, at 12:49 p.m.

My Uber arrived at 12:56, seven minutes later.

I paid Uber $19.61.

Tera paid Lyft $21.11.

And Sway paid Yellow Cab $38.40.

Now we at Channel 2 admit this is in no way a scientific test.

We only took three trips and always traveled in the middle of the day when traffic was relatively light.

But still, it gives you at least an idea of how Uber, Lyft and Yellow Cab compare with one another on identical trips.

The decision on which one you will use is up to you.

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About the Author:

Emmy-winning investigative reporter, insanely competitive tennis player, skier, weightlifter, crazy rock & roll drummer (John Bonham is my hero). Husband to Veronica and loving cat father to Bella and Meemo.