Drive with Palmetto State Rides

Palmetto State Rides (PSR) is a community-based ride service built around scheduled rides, fair payouts, and strong local partnerships. This page explains our vehicle and driver requirements, how payouts work, and what you can expect as a PSR driver.

1) Vehicle Standards

• Model year 2019 or newer is preferred.
• Four doors and seats at least 4 passengers comfortably.
• Clean title (no salvage or rebuilt titles).
• Clean, professional appearance inside and out.
• Working A/C, heat, seatbelts, power windows, and door locks.
• Interior must be clean, smoke-free, and free of strong odors.

2) Safety & Equipment

• Functioning headlights, brake lights, turn signals, horn, and wipers.
• No dashboard warning lights for brakes, engine, or airbags.
• Up-to-date registration, inspection (if required), and insurance.
• Phone mount and charger recommended for safe navigation.
• Dashcam or in-car camera strongly recommended for safety and protection.

3) Not Allowed

• Salvage or rebuilt vehicles.
• Excessively loud exhaust or unsafe modifications.
• Strong smoke, pet, or food odors inside the vehicle.
• Visible body damage that affects professional appearance.
• Smoking or vaping inside the vehicle while on PSR rides.

4) Driver Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license and a clean, safe driving record.
• Meets all state and local requirements for carrying passengers.
• Comfortable using navigation apps for routes and pickups.
• Professional, courteous, and able to communicate clearly with riders.
• Has a smartphone capable of running navigation and Stripe for payouts.
• Agrees to PSR Driver Terms & Conditions.

5) Time-Block Driver Payouts (Standard / XL / Van)

For time-block rides, PSR uses a simple rule:

Driver Payout = Customer Price – $15 PSR Fee

The $15 PSR fee is on the customer side only. Your payout is the remaining amount. Below are current time-block payouts by ride type.

Standard Rides – Driver Payouts

• 15 minutes: customer pays $30 → $15 to driver
• 25 minutes: customer pays $40 → $25 to driver
• 35 minutes: customer pays $55 → $40 to driver
• 45 minutes: customer pays $60 → $45 to driver
• 60 minutes: customer pays $75 → $60 to driver

XL Rides (SUV / Larger Vehicle) – Driver Payouts

• 15 minutes: customer pays $45 → $30 to driver
• 25 minutes: customer pays $55 → $40 to driver
• 35 minutes: customer pays $70 → $55 to driver
• 45 minutes: customer pays $75 → $60 to driver
• 60 minutes: customer pays $90 → $75 to driver

Van Rides – Driver Payouts

Van rides are always $5 cheaper than XL on the customer side. Payout rule is the same.

• 15 minutes: customer pays $40 → $25 to driver
• 25 minutes: customer pays $50 → $35 to driver
• 35 minutes: customer pays $65 → $50 to driver
• 45 minutes: customer pays $70 → $55 to driver
• 60 minutes: customer pays $85 → $70 to driver

Guaranteed block pay: If a rider books a 45-minute block and only uses 30 minutes, you still receive the full 45-minute payout. Tips: 100% of tips go directly to you.

6) Airport Ride Driver Payouts

Airport rides use flat, posted payouts. The amounts below are what drivers receive for each completed airport ride.

Standard – Airport Driver Payouts

• GSP Airport: $30
• Asheville (AVL): $100
• Charlotte (CLT): $150
• Atlanta (ATL): $275
• Clemson: $65

XL – Airport Driver Payouts

• GSP Airport: $40
• Asheville (AVL): $135
• Charlotte (CLT): $200
• Atlanta (ATL): $325
• Clemson: $85

Van – Airport Driver Payouts

• GSP Airport: $40
• Asheville (AVL): $110
• Charlotte (CLT): $175
• Atlanta (ATL): $305
• Clemson: $75

All tour and event payouts above are flat-rate and guaranteed. Tips are optional and go 100% to the driver.

8) Stripe Payouts

PSR uses Stripe Connect to handle all driver payouts. During onboarding, you will receive a secure link from Stripe where you can:

• Connect or update your bank account.
• View past and upcoming payouts.
• See your available balance.
• Download 1099 tax forms at the end of the year.

9) How to Apply

If you meet the requirements above and want to drive with Palmetto State Rides, complete our online driver application. We review each application individually and will contact you with next steps.

Apply here: Click to complete the PSR Driver Application