Surging Gas Prices Spur Uber Drivers’ Push for Status Change

It’s tough for Raul Rivera to take a day off as a driver for Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft, Inc. and still make a living. After 10 to 12 hours on the road in New York City and New Jersey, he can draw about $200 to $300 per shift, but those margins are closing with soaring gas prices, on top of the other expenses drivers shoulder.

Along with rentals, toll fees, commissions pulled from the companies, and gas—about $4.35 a gallon in New York City as of Monday afternoon, or roughly $280 a week for Rivera—he said he saves only ...