Ridesharing, a service offered through popular mobile applications such as Uber and Lyft, has become incredibly popular in the past decade or so. The global ride-sharing market is expected to more than double from 2022 to 2028. The market value of this booming industry is expected to exceed 226 billion dollars by 2028. About 25% of the U.S. population uses rideshares at least once a month. If you plan on taking a rideshare for the first time or simply want to learn more about this service, this article is for you. Here, we’ll define ridesharing and outline everything that you should know before taking one.
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Rideshare applications offer a service through which they connect customers seeking rides with drivers of private vehicles. The most popular rideshare apps in the U.S. are Uber and Lyft which, together, make up 99% of the American ride-sharing market. However, rideshare apps are popular far beyond the U.S.: Uber has over 3.8 million drivers worldwide.
There are many different reasons why somebody would choose to use a rideshare including:
- Rides to and from the airport
- Rides in big cities where it is less common to own a car
- Rides when traveling without a car rental
- Designated drivers to and from bars, clubs, and parties
- And more
In essence, for the same reason one might take a taxi, people use rideshares.
If this is the case, then, why do people choose to use rideshares instead of taxis? Why did Uber average over 320,000 more rides daily than yellow cabs in New York in 2020?
There are several key differences between taxis and rideshares to note.
First, rideshares are application-based. Rather than hailing a passing cab or ordering one through a calling service, riders can order a rideshare on their phones at their convenience. These applications also optimize routes so that drivers spend less time with an empty vehicle.
Many people prefer rideshares because of the way their pricing works. Instead of using a meter that will charge differently depending on the route the driver takes and how long the ride lasts, rideshares quote a price upfront that is often cheaper than the same ride would cost in a taxi.
Rideshare drivers also use their own vehicles, and it is common for riders to sit up front next to the driver. This can create a more friendly and casual atmosphere, as though a friend or acquaintance is giving you a ride.
There are also certain features to rideshare apps that taxis do not have. For example, for a lower price, you can opt to take a ride in which the driver is able to pick up other riders on the journey.
If you decide to take a rideshare, the general procedure you would follow would go as such:
- You will download your rideshare application of choice and register for an account. This will require putting a credit card on file.
- When you request a ride, you will input your location and destination of choice. The app will give you a price quote. This may be higher during certain more high-traffic times such as rush hour.
- If you accept the price, the app will then make your ride available for pick-up by drivers.
- Once a driver accepts the ride, you will be given an ETA for their arrival to pick you up.
- When your driver arrives, you’ll confirm that it is the ride you are waiting for and take it to your destination. While it is common to sit in the passenger seat, you are welcome to sit wherever you are comfortable.
- After your ride, you do not need to tip your driver in cash. Once your driver marks the ride as complete, the cost of the ride will be automatically charged to your card with an optional tip of your choosing.
- Finally, you and the driver will be prompted to rate each other for how the ride went.
Safety Tips for Riders
Just like with taxis, it’s important for rideshare riders to remain vigilant about their safety as there are risks inherent to taking rideshares. Here are the most important safety tips to follow when using rideshares.
- Check your driver’s rating. Don’t ride with somebody with a rating of two stars or fewer.
- Share your ride details with somebody you trust so they can confirm that you arrive at your destination safely.
- Before getting into your rideshare, confirm the license plate and driver so you can be certain you are getting into the right car.
- Wear your seatbelt. Rideshares are not immune to car accidents.
- Don’t share personal information with your driver. While you’re welcome to have a conversation, it’s best not to give them too much identifying information.
- Pay through the app. Do not take out your wallet, as it can lead to the risk of theft.
- Track the route your ride is taking throughout to make sure that you are headed in the correct direction.
Sadly, there have been a large number of crimes that have occurred to rideshare passengers riding with Uber and Lyft. For a list of lawsuits filed against these companies, click here.
If you or a loved one were assaulted or experienced improper sexual behavior while riding in a rideshare vehicle, you should know that you may be entitled to compensation. For more information to help determine your eligibility status, fill out this form.
