All hail? The impact of ride hailing platforms on the use of other transport modes

Source abstract

Does ride hailing complement or substitute other forms of transport, such as public transport? This study employs Scottish Household Survey travel diary data from 45,556 individuals between 2012 and 2019 in a difference-in-differences examination of how ride hailing affected the use of other transport modes. Results reveal a 7-percentage point increase in the probability of choosing public transport in Glasgow, although this is not reflected in Edinburgh. No positive or negative effect is found on congestion. The Glasgow public transport effect stems from work-related and morning peak journeys and appears to be more pronounced among individuals who are younger, male, employed and with higher levels of household income. This raises equity considerations, and policy could address barriers to accessing ride hailing through targeted subsidies or digital literacy programmes. • Ride hailing increased public transport use in Glasgow by 7 percentage points. • Increase stems from work-related journeys, not leisure journeys. • Effect more pronounced among individuals who are younger, male and employed. • Analysis of travel diary data from 45,556 individuals from 2012 to 2019.