<ul><li>As Uber and Lyft driver pay has shrunk, some are starting their own ride services.</li><li>In the early days, driving full-time for the ride-hailing giants paid enough to be a living.</li><li>However, over the last few years, ride-share drivers' earnings have fallen to as little as $3 per ride.</li><li>Drivers are also looking to build relationships with clients over the anonymity associated with Uber or Lyft.</li><li>Around half of LA Uber driver Brian's trips now come from private clients.</li><li>Customers are often looking to avoid the surcharges added to Uber's fares.</li><li>Lyft's app terms allow drivers to work for other companies offering similar services.</li><li>Some drivers get tipped $100 just to wait outside meetings to take people home.</li><li>Offering private rides requires investment from drivers, including car repairs and commercial insurance.</li><li>YouTube driver Torsten Kunert is offering an online course outlining advice for drivers looking to move away from Uber and Lyft.</li></ul>

Uber and Lyft drivers say they're earning less — so some are starting their own ride services

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