Eliciting preferences of TNC users and drivers: Evidence from the United States

Abstract

Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) are changing the transportation ecosystem, but micro-decisions of travelers and TNC drivers need to be better understood to assess their system-level impacts. Using a unique sample (N = 11,902) of the U.S. population residing in TNC-served areas, we estimate preferences of TNC travelers for a) being a rider, a driver, or a non-user of TNC services; and b) to use pooled ridesourcing. In addition, using a large sample of TNC drivers, we estimate their inclination to a) switch to vehicles with better fuel economy; and b) buy, rent or lease a new vehicle with driving for TNCs being a major contributing factor. The population-weighted statistical analysis indicates that TNCs are mainly attracting personal vehicle users as riders, without substantially affecting demand for transit. Moreover, around 10% of TNC users reported postponing the purchase of a new car due to the availability of TNCs. Using multinomial logistic regression, we find that the likelihood of being a TNC user increases with age until 44 years and decreases afterwards. Older suburban TNC users with higher vehicle ownership are less likely to pool rides. Among TNC drivers who work daily, 65% indicated that driving for TNCs was a consideration in vehicle purchase decisions. Households with postgraduate drivers who drive daily and live in metropolitan regions are more likely to switch to fuel-efficient vehicles. These findings can inform transportation planners and TNCs in developing policies to encourage pooled ridesourcing and to improve the average fuel economy of the TNC fleet.