Identifying the factors influencing the choice of different ride-hailing services in Shenzhen, China

Abstract

In recent years, transportation network companies have developed various services, such as express, ride-pooling, premium service and app-based taxi hailing service, to satisfy the diversified travel demands of residents. However, the existing knowledge on the factors that affect the choice of different ride-hailing services remains scarce, and the difference of this impact between the users with and without household vehicles (HVs) has been little examined. To fill these gaps, the goal of this study is to explore the influential factors of different ride-hailing services choice as for the users with and without HVs. The results of multinomial logistic models indicate that: (1) the users without HVs whose original travel mode is bus are more likely to utilize ride-pooling, the users with HVs whose original mode is private car are more inclined to use premium service and express. (2) These two types of users focus on different aspects of ride-hailing travel. The users with HVs are concerned about the travel service quality and travel experience, while the counterpart users care about whether their basic travel needs can be satisfied. (3) Premium service has a positive effect on reducing the use of private cars among users with HVs, but this effect is relatively weak. (4) Ride-pooling and express could delay private cars’ purchasing plan by users without HVs, indicating a governance way to inhibit the growth of cars, i.e., reducing car ownership by ensuring car use. Finally, some suggestions are proposed to promote the sustainable and healthy development of different ride-hailing services.