Ridesourcing in Rural Communities, North Dakota Driver Survey

The rise of ridesourcing services such as Uber and Lyft in recent years has revolutionized urban transportation across the globe. With the increased popularity of these services came negative impacts on industries such as taxi cab and public transit services. In an era when ridesourcing companies are expanding rapidly in previously untouched markets, rural markets might soon face unexpected changes. The objective was to understand public perception and trip activities that may lead to success in rural ridesourcing markets, especially related to rider demand. Survey results showed a majority were familiar with ridesourcing services such as Uber and Lyft, but the share was well under the national rate. The accessibility in rural areas was very limited compared to the urban centers. With regard to market segment potential, ridesourcing was seen as a good option for older adult mobility and as a ride alternative to driving after drinking. A technological hurdle was also revealed in low rates of smartphone ownership among older rider cohorts. While limited to a single rural state, findings suggest that public education about trips via ridesourcing services may be needed. Promising views of ridesourcing as an impaired driving alternative, even in rural areas, support continued efforts to improve market accessibility and stability.

• Record URL:
  https://www.ugpti.org/resources/reports/details.php?id=1047
• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/59237
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This document was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, University Transportation Centers Program.
• Corporate Authors:

  Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute

  North Dakota State University
  1320 Albrecht Boulevard
  Fargo, ND  United States  581052

  Mountain-Plains Consortium

  North Dakota State University
  Fargo, ND  United States  58108

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Vachal, Kimberly
• Publication Date: 2021-11

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Figures; Maps; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 34p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Ridesourcing; Rural areas; Surveys
• Geographic Terms: North Dakota
• Subject Areas: Highways; Passenger Transportation; Planning and Forecasting;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01829830
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: MPC 21-444, MPC-628
• Contract Numbers: 69A3551747108
• Files: UTC, NTL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: Dec 13 2021 10:37AM