AUSTIN, Texas --- Now that Uber and Lyft are back, Spectrum News finds out how they compare to the companies that popped up in their place.

Uber driver, Bradley Hellerud is new. He submitted his application and documents about two weeks ago.

“I’ve actually been driving a day now," Hellerud said.

The 30-year-old plans on driving in his new vehicle, part-time for the ride-hailing company. Back and forth between the Spectrum News station to the airport, four of the most popular apps were put to the test. Some drivers appealed to the name recognition of the ride-booking's giants, and others felt loyal to the companies who filled the void in the past year.

While all four trips in a standard vehicle were about 20 minutes long, price and projected driver payout varied. 

For the customer, the least expensive was Uber, then Lyft, then Fasten and RideAustin. For the drivers, that order was exactly in reverse. There was also no tipping on Uber's app.

Price of fares can include surcharges and fees, which vary per app. The fees are excluded from the driver's payout. For example, there is a $1 pickup fee at the airport. 

Lyft receives 20 to 25 percent of the fare, depending when the driver applied. Meanwhile, commission for Uber is 20 to 30 percent, also depending on the driver. For standard rides, RideAustin gives drivers 100 percent of the fare, but collects commission for higher class vehicles. Fasten charges drivers $0.99 per ride after a minimum $6 ride.

Uber & Lyft: $1.00/mi & 20 cents/min (w/$4.00 min. & $1.65 service fee)

RideAustin: 99 cents/mi & 25 cents/min (w/$4.oo min. & $3.00 service fee)

Fasten: $1.10/mi & 20 cents/min (w/$6.00 min. & $2.70 service fee)

"They take too much away from us, from our pockets," said Fasten driver, Smith Kini. He drove for Lyft and Uber a year ago, but will not be working for them again.

Drivers like University of Texas student Mac Chane, said while the extra pay is nice, drivers will still go where the rides are.

“Regardless of RideAustin paying better, at the end of the day you just gotta follow the demand," Chane said. "If people aren't using it it's not much use for us.”

The decision is ultimately left in the hands of the consumers. House Bill 100 requires ride-hailing companies to pay a fee to the state. Over the next 30 days, the state will set the size of that fee, along with its oversight and regulation.