Are Ride-Shares Actually Convenient?
Mar 07, 2023
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Finding a ride to your destination has never been easier in today’s world. In most instances, you can find a ride with a few clicks of a button. Ride-sharing has become one of the top ways for people to get from point A to point B, but, it is not always the best option for travel. What is ride-sharing, you may ask? We’re glad you asked!
Ride-sharing came about in 2009 when Uber introduced itself as a convenient alternative to taxis. It was a way for people to easily find and reserve rides from an app on their phones. Using ride-share apps quickly gained popularity as users realized they no longer had to rely on friends or taxis to get them to where they needed to go. Those needing rides who would have once called a cab and waited for one to be available, could now have their exact location visible to a ride-share driver for accurate and speedy pickup.
Is ride-sharing always more convenient? Sometimes! There are situations where ride-sharing can be easier, such as a single passenger needing a ride from the airport. Another scenario could be when someone who does not own a car needs a Lyft (pun intended) to the grocery store. Here are some of the pros and cons of using ride-share services:
Advantages
Improved accessibility- Let’s face it, it is much easier to hit a few buttons and have a car arrive to pick you up. When you use a taxi, you have to call and find out the wait time, explain where you are located, and figure out how to pay. Do they take cards, or would you need cash? Ride-share apps not only allow you to put in your exact location but handle the payment right in the app.
Cheaper- Many of those who have used taxis have been there- you arrive at your destination, and you’re short on payment, because it was a metered trip and perhaps there was a delay in traffic. One of the benefits of using ride-share apps is that they are usually cheaper than using a taxi, and they inform you of the cost before you call the ride. This can save you from that embarrassing moment of reaching into your wallet and seeing flies coming out!
User-friendly- One of the best things about ride-share apps is that they are easy to use for virtually everyone. The app guides users in filling out their information and prompts them with questions. These prompts make it easy to click a few buttons and wait for your speedy ride to arrive.
Disadvantages
Increased accidents- While calling a ride-share is incredibly easy with smartphones, the convenience can come with a price. Since these types of services have become available, studies show that the rate of fatal car accidents has increased between 2-4%.
More crime- Something you may not have thought about is that crime can occur even within ride-share services. You may be thinking, “Crime can happen anywhere!” This is true. Crime can occur anywhere, but the last place you want to be is in the backseat of an unfamiliar car with the child safety locks on.
Fewer safety precautions- One of the things to keep in mind when using a ride-share service is that these drivers and vehicles are not held to the standard of other transportation services, such as taxis or chauffeur services. These cars do not go through the same routine maintenance, inspections, and cleanliness, which can put you at risk.
Ride-sharing is convenient when there are just a few passengers who need transportation. Any more than this, and the group would not fit in the vehicle. When you are traveling with more people, there are other services that may better accommodate your needs. A private shuttle bus is the perfect example of this, as this vehicle is ideally sized, and specifically reserved for your party.
Instead of riding in separate vehicles and getting split from the group, a private shuttle bus can fit each and every person in for a smooth and convenient ride. Using this mode of transportation allows you and your party to relax and worry not about having to go in multiple Ubers. Something else we love about this option is that it is similar to ride-sharing, and you can get your entire cost in advance with no hidden fees!
So are ride-shares actually convenient? The true answer depends on your needs, but they really do have their benefits. These services are great for getting a quick ride when you are in a bind or need to make it home after having a few too many drinks at happy hour. Otherwise, it can be very helfpul for situations when multiple people are looking for transportation. Whether ride-sharing will be convenient for you or not depends on how you intend to use it.