When You Take Uber or Lyft, Should You Worry About Your Impact on the Environment?
I have loved ridesharing ever since its introduction. When I lived in Washington, DC, I was frequently caught in unexpected rainstorms with no taxi in sight and would end up soaking wet. There I was, all fancy in my nice suit totally drenched squelching as I walked to my next meeting. Where I was, of course, totally embarrassed.
Today, no problem. I find some shop or cafe or awning and pull out my handy smartphone. I bring up my Uber app and voila, a ride arrives shortly thereafter! I also know the driver’s name, the type of vehicle and its license plate, and have some expectation of a clean, non-smoke filled vehicle.
In DC and other major cities, racial profiling was also an issue when it came to taxi service. Uber and Lyft riders, on the other hand, don’t discriminate due to the economic incentives, according to a Brookings Institute economist.
I’ve also used Uber in other countries like Prague and Paris where communication can be a challenge. When I was in Mexico City, I was told to use Uber instead of taxis as it was a safer option due to the tracking of its vehicles.
