Buying Access One Trip at a Time

Problem, research strategy, and findings New transportation options like ride-hail can expand accessibility without the costs of car ownership. Ride-hail’s potential is particularly salient for lower-income zero-car households. We used interviews a national (U.S.) survey to examine how why travelers in United States use ride-hail. Survey interview responses provided temporal snapshot thus reflect, part, travel challenges specific COVID-19. Findings suggest that travelers, those personal cars, ways distinct from typically reported broader surveys. Individuals cars are more likely ride-hail, it often, compared with people fill spatial gaps public transit service access medical care groceries. Costs price unpredictability remain significant barriers limiting travelers’ services.Takeaway practice This demonstrates latent need among travelers. Substantial alternative modes pose seeking reliable timely transportation. Planners should invest transit, biking, walking provide robust alternatives Such investments, however, take time. In meantime, cities agencies consider subsidizing trips bridge existing network.