RIDEGURU
To me this is a major problem that needs to be dealt with. Traffic is just getting worse and we cannot deny that rideshares are a major contributor to the problem. The worse part about the study cited in this article is that even pool options are making traffic worse.
THOUGH RIDE-HAILING services have previously been accused of exacerbating traffic and disrupting local transportation, pooled options such as UberPool and Lyft Line have generally avoided such criticism. But according to a new report by transportation consultant Bruce Schaller, pooled rides have their own disruptive effects on transit systems and need to be part of the conversation.
Analyzing data from nine cities including the District, his study found that pooled ride services make traffic worse. It estimated that 60 percent of ride-hail customers would have otherwise used transit, walked, biked or stayed home if not for Uber and Lyft. Drivers also rack up miles as they drive around waiting for new customers or take circuitous routes to pick up riders. Based on the data, personal rides add 2.8 new vehicle miles for every mile of personal driving they eliminate — and pooled rides add 2.6 new vehicle miles. The difference between the two figures is negligible, noteworthy given the rate at which ride-hailing services are expanding.
(emphasis mine)
Comments
The elephant in the room is that fixing this means taking cars off the road... which means less rideshare drivers. Sorry but it has to be said.
You're not going to see any rideshare drivers scoff at that statement, because we all want fewer drivers on the road. Uber and Lyft, on the otherhand, rely on oversaturation with drivers to "increase market share," force down costs and to try to attract the cheapskates that think Uber rates should be lower than bus fare.
I think there is a hidden danger for drivers here. When you say "we all want fewer drivers on the road", I think you are right, but whether that's actually good or not depends on how it happens. If it happens via some regulation limiting rideshare cars, then it's going to be bad for drivers, because it becomes a buyer's market. More drivers looking for jobs = lower wages.
Fewer rideshares on the road also increases demand for cars. This may seem good for drivers (at least, the ones who are left), and in some ways it would be since we should be able to drive more, but it might also mean Uber and Lyft can get away with taking more for themselves. After all, there are plenty of drivers waiting to take over if I quit, in this scenario. So the reality might be fewer jobs and higher commissions.
not necessarily a lot of the problem is drivers driving around with empty cars waiting for their next ride. this could be solved in other ways.
But if they have less drivers on the road, how will it be determined which ones get to stay? Would that be good for passengers then because only the best of the best drivers are chosen?
Then, on the other hand... for drivers, the competition would become even more fierce. Right?
UBER is 666 because they have done more harm than good but as long as those fat under the table envelopes roll in the government will tell you what you want to hear because they are as useful as a horse with three legs.