Ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Lyft have made it convenient for passengers to connect with local drivers through their smartphones. However, there are controversies surrounding the practice of ride-hailing apps. Do ride-hailing apps benefit society?
Yes, ride-hailing apps are a benefit to society
Ride-hailing apps connect passengers with drivers quickly, safely, and efficiently. Passengers are provided with their driver's ID and car information before their car arrives. Passengers can also share their real-time route and driver details with friends or family which adds more security.
Ride-hailing apps save time and are safer than licensed taxis
Ride-hailing apps use cashless payments and quickly connect passengers with drivers in their immediate area. Driver ID, vehicle information, and journey details are recorded in the app and shared in real-time so passengers can feel safe and secure throughout their journey.
No, ride-hailing apps are not a benefit to society
Ride-hailing apps are bad for the environment. At least 40% of the time, drivers travel alone from one drop off point to the next pick up location. This adds more miles, contributing to more congestion and vehicle emissions that wouldn’t exist without ride-hailing.
Ride-hailing apps contribute to climate change
Research suggests that ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft have contributed to climate change by increasing congestion and emissions. There have been calls for ride-hailing services to move towards more sustainable and green methods of transport.
Taxi drivers in the US and Europe have made headlines for protesting against ride-hailing apps lack of regulations. This includes accusations of ride-hailing apps stealing taxi drivers' livelihood.
