The world is rapidly moving towards digitization, and the mode of transportation is no different. With the rise of rideshare services, there has been a significant impact on public transportation ridership. In this article, we will explore the effect of ridesharing on public transportation ridership.
Ridesharing Vs. Public Transportation
Ridesharing services such as Uber, Lyft, and others have disrupted the traditional modes of public transportation. Ridesharing has become a popular mode of transportation, especially in urban areas, where public transportation might not be available or is inconvenient. Ridesharing is flexible and convenient, as passengers can hail a ride from their smartphones and get picked up from their location.
Public transportation, on the other hand, is a system of transportation that is open to the public and operates on scheduled routes. Public transportation is an economical way to travel, especially for people who cannot afford to own a car or live in areas where public transportation is accessible.
The Impact of Ridesharing on Public Transportation Ridership
The rise of ridesharing services has had a significant impact on public transportation ridership. Studies have shown that the introduction of ridesharing services has led to a decline in public transportation ridership, especially in larger cities.
Decrease in Public Transportation Ridership
The availability of ridesharing services has made it easier for people to opt-out of using public transportation. Commuters find it more convenient and flexible to hail a ride from their smartphones rather than wait for a scheduled bus or train. A survey conducted in 2018 found that 21% of Uber and Lyft users in the US had decreased their usage of public transportation. This trend was more pronounced in larger cities, where public transportation was more accessible.
Increase in Car Ownership
The increase in ridesharing services has also led to an increase in car ownership. People who wouldn’t have otherwise owned a car, now have access to ridesharing services. This trend is evident, especially in suburban areas, where public transportation is scarce, and ridesharing services are plentiful.
Conclusion
The rise of ridesharing services has significantly impacted public transportation ridership. While ridesharing services provide a more convenient and flexible mode of transportation, it has led to a decline in public transportation ridership, especially in urban areas. It has also led to an increase in car ownership, particularly in suburban areas. As these trends continue, it will be interesting to see how public transportation systems evolve.