Ride-Sharing

Pro 1: Ride-sharing apps are convenient, affordable, and safe for riders and other drivers.

The technology used by ride-sharing companies increases reliability and decreases wait times for consumers, and can offer a 20% to 30% discount over the cost of a taxi. [2][7]

These apps have built-in safety features, such as displaying the license plate and car model to ensure that riders get into the correct vehicle, the ability to share the route with friends and family, GPS tracking, cash-free transactions, and driver ratings. [8]

A full third of ride-sharing passengers who own vehicles (33%) said the main reason they use the service is to avoid driving while they are drunk. [5]

Fatal alcohol-related car accidents dropped between 10% and 11.4% after the introduction of ride-sharing services and DUI (driving under the influence) citations went down as much as 9.2% in some cities. Researchers estimate that if ride-sharing were fully implemented across the country, the resulting drop in DUI-related accidents could save 500 lives and $1.3 billion in American taxpayer money annually. [6][7]

Pro 2: Ride-sharing companies create jobs and boost the economy.

In 2018 there were more than two million Uber and Lyft drivers in the United States. Uber reported $12.9 billion in 2017 take-home gross revenue for its American drivers. Drivers have flexibility to set their own hours (a benefit that 80% cite as important to them), and 23% were unemployed prior to becoming a driver. 63% of drivers work behind the wheel fewer than 20 hours per week, using the job to supplement other incomes and pay bills. [11][12][13]

The Economic Development Research Group found that Uber contributed $17 billion in gross domestic product to the U.S. economy, as well as $580 million in added business productivity and $11 million in additional spending by international visitors who use ride-sharing to travel to more locations than they otherwise would have. [13]

Lyft reported that its drivers earned more than $3.6 billion in 2017, and that passengers contributed an additional $2 billion of spending in their communities. 54% of riders say they explore their cities more, and 45% spend more at local businesses because of ride-sharing. [14]

Pro 3: Ride-sharing increases mobility for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income populations and decreases discrimination experienced with taxis.

Ride-sharing initiatives such as Uber Assist, which offers door-to-door assistance, serve the estimated 26 million seniors in the U.S. who rely on others for transportation. Uber and Lyft partner with senior organizations, retirement homes, and healthcare providers to arrange rides for seniors who aren’t comfortable using technology. Some ride-sharing companies, such as Mobility 4 All and Lift Hero, have specially trained drivers and exist specifically to offer transportation options for seniors and people with disabilities. [22][23][24][25][26]

Lyft offers discounted rides to grocery stores for low-income households to increase access to healthy food options, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, and also pledged $1.5 million to transport veterans and people with low incomes to medical appointments and job interviews. [27][28]

Researchers noted high levels of discrimination in taxi service towards Black riders, who have a 73% higher chance of having their taxi canceled and wait 6–15 minutes longer than white riders. Anne Brown, Ph.D., assistant professor of planning, public policy, and management at the University of Oregon, found that “ridehail services nearly eliminate the racial-ethnic differences in service quality.” [29]