In Behind the Wheel: An Insider’s Look at Uber and Lyft , I step out of my role as author, political analyst, and media commentator. For several months I slapped an Uber and Lyft sticker on my front windshield. I became a rideshare driver. My aim was to take a hard, first-hand, insider’s look at the workings of the rideshare business and the clash between the two rideshare companies, its drivers, the unions and some cities and states. What better way to do that than to be an actual rideshare driver.

I drove hundreds of passengers, heard their stories and complaints, and praise. I wrestled with the labyrinth of rules and regulations Uber and Lyft slap on their drivers. I challenged Uber and Lyft officials in internal discussion over their practices, policies and operations. The experience was filled with joy, frustration, anger and awe at the best and worst of the world of the gig economy, with Uber and Lyft at its center. This is the world that I reveal in Behind the Wheel: An Insider’s Look at Uber and Lyft.



