The transportation studies put the annual cost at $160 billion, with 7 billion hours being lost sitting in traffic. It’s no wonder why people are rushing to ride share apps like Uber and Lyft when they need to get somewhere — driving is a pain and these apps make it easier.
One of the best ways through which you can eliminate traffic stress is through ride sharing. A study suggests that with the help companies like Uber, it’s reducing the number of cars on the road and eliminating some of the past congestion.
“The biggest benefit of an option like Uber is the convenience factor,” says Jake Braun of ChopperExchange, a website that helps its users sell a Harley. “Many people are now eliminating cars from their household, along with the car payments, maintenance and insurance premiums.”
Uber and Lyft are also creating a new job market, allowing car owners to register and become providers. “Uber drivers can make their own schedule and work around their main job schedule to earn extra income or turn it into a full-time job. It’s a market segment that is not going to disappear anytime soon,” suggests Luqman Khan of Wireloo, a website that reviews best dashcam options.
Uber and Lyft have taken market share away from taxis
While traditional cab companies are against the new apps and technology, it’s been a great shakeup in the marketplace.
Taking a taxi was never a memorable experience. Dirty cars and zero customer service was widely accepted before Uber came around. Now, consumers are greeted by friendly drivers and ride in clean cars. They have completely turned people away from taking over-priced taxis,” says Christopher VanDeCar, CEO of Optimally Organic.
The concept of carpooling has been around for decades. Now, Uber and Lyft have pooling options, which groups several riders together at a lower split-fare. While affordable, it’s not exactly convenient.
“Traditional ride sharing is very affordable when compared to regular yellow cabs, and it gets ever more affordable if you opt for a shared ride. But, you have to remember that you now must wait for other riders and you will often take much longer to arrive at your final destination,” reminds Darryl Howard of NuWays MD, a company that offers stem cell therapy in Boca Raton.
What contributes to the success of Uber and Lyft
Think about all of the most popular companies over the past few years. They all have one thing in common: they provide a convenience. Amazon allows you to order anything and have it on your doorstep within 48 hours. Netflix allows you to access any movie without leaving your couch. Uber and Lyft are the same type of convenience provider. You can call a car to come pick you up and bring you anywhere you want — at any time. You have full control. It’s a convenience that completely eliminates the headaches of driving yourself, like dealing with traffic and having to find parking.
More on-demand concepts continue to take off, which just helps to back up the fact that these services will never go anywhere. Now Uber has Uber Eats, which will bring you food from any restaurant to your door, InstaCart, which will do your grocery shopping for you and bring everything to your front door, and countless jet charters that allow you to book seats on private jets with others, splitting the cost.
