Ride-hailing services can make travel easier for disadvantaged communities in low-density transit deserts

Ride-hailing services are often seen as benefiting the middle classes and other well-off Americans. But can they also serve people living in low-density areas, especially those who do not own vehicles? In new research, Shengxiao (Alex) Li, Wei Zhai, Junfeng Jiao, and Chao (Kenneth) Wang examined how ride-hailing services have reshaped transportation across neighborhoods in Austin, Texas. They find that while ride-hailing services mainly serve those who live downtown, where transit services are available, they also have the potential to help people living in low-income and low-density neighborhoods, and those without vehicles.