FACTORS AFFECTING THE USE OF TAXICABS BY LOWER INCOME GROUPS

This study investigates the propensity of poor persons to use taxicabs. An evaluation of existing data on the use of taxicabs by different income groups shows that in larger urban areas lower income groups display a relatively high rate of taxi use. A critical analysis of previous work suggests, however, that the data analysis contained therein actually underestimated the reliance of the poor on the taxi. An analysis of the limited work on taxi use in small- and medium-sized urban areas reveals an even greater dependence of the poor on the taxicab. This work is supported by a survey of taxi drivers and an analysis of the origins of taxi trips. The factors that create this pattern of use are also examined. Previous studies and our data suggest that the poor often choose taxis because they are the principal option when an automobile is not available. Taxis appear to be chosen over conventional transit (when it exists) because they offer greater service flexiblity, convenience, and duration of service, as well as better meeting the security demands of the poor. Increased availability of taxi service by reduced market entry restrictions and reduced cost of taxi service by permitting group riding and providing subsidies would increase the mobility of the poor. /Author/

• Record URL:
  http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1978/688/688-005.pdf
• Summary URL:
  http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=FACTORS+AFFECTING+THE+USE+OF+TAXICABS+BY+LOWER+INCOME+GROUPS&author=J.+Allred&author=A.+Saltzman&author=S.+Rosenbloom&publication_year=1978
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• Supplemental Notes:
  • Publication of this paper sponsored by Committee on Transportation for the Transportation Disadvantaged. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.
• Authors:
  • Allred, Jeff
  • Saltzman, Arthur
  • Rosenbloom, Sandra
• Publication Date: 1978

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 21-27
• Monograph Title: Transportation for elderly, handicapped, and economically disadvantaged persons
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record
  • Issue Number: 688
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Consumer behavior; Consumer preferences; Low income groups; Taxicabs; Urban areas; Utilization
• Uncontrolled Terms: Disadvantaged persons
• Subject Areas: Highways; Public Transportation; Research; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00197118
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0309028337
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Sep 15 1981 12:00AM