The passengers tell them when to pick up. They can drive any route they want. Few driver's use Uber's directions and Lyft/Sidecar don't even offer turn-by-turn

The passengers tell them when to pick up. They can drive any route they want. Few driver's use Uber's directions and Lyft/Sidecar don't even offer turn-by-turn directions. Of course they can deviate from any route (passengers frequently request specific routes). Yes, the companies reward for maintaining a low decline rate (sensible). The contractors you describe frequently have less control. Many have to show up to the office, attend meetings, produce deliverables continuously, complete projects under specific terms and timeframes, etc.