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

Lisa Rayle, Danielle Dai, Nelson Chan, Robert Cervero and Susan Shaheen

Transport Policy, 2016, vol. 45, issue C, 168-178

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: On-demand transport; Taxis; Transportation network companies (TNCs); Shared mobility; Ridesharing; Flexible transport (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (99)

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DOI: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2015.10.004

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