Since the early 2010s, when rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft were just launched, the convenience of ridesharing has expanded commuters’ options for getting to work. But how does sharing the ride hold up as a daily commute option? To help make this determination, let’s take a look at some of the gains and roadblocks of ridesharing.
Gains
- No need to park
One of the biggest challenges for people working in metro Atlanta is parking – finding it and paying for it. Ridesharing allows commuters the convenience of hailing a ride so they can save time, money, and stress on the way to the office or after working overtime. Less commuter stress also means employees will be more productive and positive at the workplace.
- Access for non-drivers
Though about 77% of commuters in Atlanta drive alone, there are some who do not own cars. There are also commuters who work shifts outside of local transit or 9-to-5 carpool schedules, and need another way to get to and from the workplace. Ridesharing offers a convenient way for this population to get around without the worry of navigating traffic, finding parking, and paying for regular vehicle maintenance. It also expands the hiring pools of employers who are not fully remote, since non-drivers will still be able to commute to the workplace at least some of the time.
Roadblocks
- It gets pricey
Ridesharing expenses can add up, and the costs are increasing even more as drivers are now required to carry commercial auto insurance in addition to personal auto insurance. Riders are feeling the impact directly through the heightened cost of their trips. According to Statista, the average cost of an Uber ride in 2019 was about $25 a ride, and the company raises its prices by about 18% per year. Now, about 80% of employees mention the cost of commuting as a concern when it comes to in-person work. These concerns and negative experiences weaken worker satisfaction, leading to increased turnover. - More traffic jams
Commuters turning to rideshare services instead of other driving alternatives — like carpooling — means more cars on the road, which can lead to an increase in traffic congestion. MIT reported that ridesharing has contributed to 1% more congestion on U.S. roads and increased the time commuters spent in traffic by 4.5%. This makes it even more difficult for employees to get to the workplace on time, and even when they do they will be stressed from their commute, which can negatively impact their work. - Produces pollution
While vehicles used for ridesharing have greater fuel efficiency than multiple single-passenger vehicles on the road, the time that drivers spend riding without a passenger contributes to air pollution. In fact, according to a report by Transport Environment, one ridesharing trip with multiple passengers going to different locations emits nearly the same amount of CO2 as if each person drove alone. More CO2 in the air increases the likelihood of respiratory problems among your workforce, leading to higher healthcare costs for your business.
Pool Perks and Programs
Carpooling or vanpooling is a great way to enjoy all the advantages of ridesharing while minimizing the disadvantages. The difference between pooling rides and sharing rides is that in a carpool commuters get to take trips with other community members, allowing them to connect with people who are going to the same place and working similar schedules, even if they fall outside of traditional work hours (i.e., hybrid, shift work). Pooling the ride also helps reduce emissions and the amount of cars on the road.
GCO’s Guaranteed Ride Home program allows users to redeem up to five rides home from work a year in case the unexpected strikes. We also have a carpool rewards program that pays a monthly cash reward to each member of the participating carpool. The bigger the carpool, the bigger the reward.
Georgia Commute Options — a program made possible by the Atlanta Regional Commission and Georgia Department of Transportation — works with employers at no cost to develop commuter programs that move the needle on air quality in the Atlanta region.