Just a better taxi? A survey-based comparison of taxis, transit, and ridesourcing services in San Francisco

In this study, we present exploratory evidence of how “ridesourcing” services (app-based, on-demand ride services like Uber and Lyft) are used in San Francisco. We explore who uses ridesourcing and for what reasons, how the ridesourcing market compares to that of traditional taxis, and how ridesourc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Transport policy Vol. 45; pp. 168 - 178
Main Authors: Rayle, Lisa, Dai, Danielle, Chan, Nelson, Cervero, Robert, Shaheen, Susan
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.01.2016
Subjects:
Flexible transport
On-demand transport
Ridesharing
Shared mobility
Taxis
Transportation network companies (TNCs)
Taxis
On-demand transport
Transportation network companies (TNCs)
Flexible transport
Shared mobility
Ridesharing
ISSN:0967-070X, 1879-310X
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:In this study, we present exploratory evidence of how “ridesourcing” services (app-based, on-demand ride services like Uber and Lyft) are used in San Francisco. We explore who uses ridesourcing and for what reasons, how the ridesourcing market compares to that of traditional taxis, and how ridesourcing impacts the use of public transit and overall vehicle travel. In spring 2014, 380 completed intercept surveys were collected from three ridesourcing “hot spots” in San Francisco. We compare survey results with matched-pair taxi trip data and results of a previous taxi user survey. We also compare travel times for ridesourcing and taxis with those for public transit. The findings indicate that, despite many similarities, taxis and ridesourcing differ in user characteristics, wait times, and trips served. While ridesourcing replaces taxi trips, at least half of ridesourcing trips replaced modes other than taxi, including public transit and driving. Impacts on overall vehicle travel are unclear. We conclude with suggestions for future research. •We report findings from a survey of ridesourcing (Uber/Lyft/Sidecar) users.•Compared with taxis, ridesourcing wait times are shorter and more reliable.•At least half of ridesourcing trips replaced modes other than taxi.
ISSN:0967-070X
1879-310X
DOI:10.1016/j.tranpol.2015.10.004