A Long Branch woman filed a class-action lawsuit on Tuesday in federal court against the ride-sharing service Lyft, alleging drivers are underpaid.

Lyft drivers earn a commission based on the fare the company charges passengers. According to the lawsuit, that amount is either 75- or 80-percent depending on when the driver began driving for Lyft.

The lawsuit, filed by driver Keara Nieves of Long Branch, says Lyft calculates its fare based on an estimation of the time and distance it will take to complete the ride. However, Lyft pays its drivers based on a separate fare calculation on the actual miles and minutes the trip takes, the lawsuit claims.

"Because Lyft does not calculate the Lyft Drivers payment based on the actual fare charged to the Riders as is required by the terms of the LTS (Lyft Terms of Service agreement), Lyft is paying Lyft Drivers less than what they are contractually entitled to receive," the lawsuit states.

Nieves is seeking class certification and an award of money damages.

"Lyft unjustly enriched itself by failing to pay its drivers what they were and are contractually entitled to receive," Nieves' attorney, Stephan Mashel, said in a statement.

A spokesman for Lyft said the company does not comment on pending litigation.

In March, a U.S. judge approved a $27 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit against Lyft. That lawsuit was filed by drivers in California who said they were entitled to reimbursement for expenses, including gasoline and vehicle maintenance.

Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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