The impact of ridesourcing on equity and sustainability in North American cities: A systematic review of the literature

Abstract

Research on ridesourcing has grown exponentially in recent years. This study details the results of a systematic review of 161 publications on ridesourcing that explore environmental sustainability and equity in North American cities. We identify five main areas of research. First, ridesourcing is associated with two modal shifts: a decline of the taxi industry and a more complicated association with public transit ridership. Second, several studies have documented workers' rights and the challenges of contingent labor. Third, demographic studies show associations between ridesouring and affluent riders, and spatial analyses indicate that ridesourcing may exacerbate existing patterns of inequity in cities. Fourth, ridesourcing has dubious claims to improve environmental sustainability: it has only a small effect on vehicle ownership, but it increases emissions associated with deadheading, and pooled services do not reduce vehicle miles traveled. Fifth, ridesourcing companies also tend to oppose regulatory responses and sharing data with potential regulators. The review concludes with suggestions on areas for future research.