Ride-Sharing and Public Safety: An Analysis of UberX’s Effects on Crime in Brazil

Rafael Alfena Zago
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Rafael Alfena Zago: Texas A&M International University, U.S.A

Journal of Economic Development, 2026, vol. 51, issue 1, 163-192

Abstract: This paper investigates the impact of UberX’s expansion on crime and traffic safety in São Paulo, Brazil. Using quarterly data from 2012 to 2021 for all 645 municipalities in the state, I exploit variation in the timing of Uber’s entry and estimate dynamic treatment effects using a staggered difference-in-differences approach. The results reveal a mixed set of effects. UberX’s availability is associated with statistically significant reductions in traffic-related manslaughter, personal injuries, vehicle thefts and robberies, and rape. However, traffic-related homicides increased, and no significant effects were found for certain other crime categories. These effects become more pronounced three to four years after the service becomes available. This study contributes to the literature by providing new evidence on how the availability of technology-based transportation alternatives may influence crime and public safety across a broad range of outcomes.

Keywords: Ride-Sharing; Crime; Transportation; Differences-in-Differences (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: K42 L91 O18 O33 R41 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ris:jecdev:022433

DOI: 10.35866/caujed.2026.51.1.007

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