New research published in Economic Inquiry reveals that ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft may reduce crime in some areas.
Based on data collected during the staggered rollout in US cities since 2010, the study showed that ridesharing services were linked to a 4.6% reduced rate of violent crimes, a 5.6% reduced rate of property crimes, and a 10.5% reduced rate of burglaries. No significant effects were observed on larceny, motor vehicle theft, or arson.
Improved employment opportunities generated by ridesharing platforms may have played an important role in these crime reductions.
"My findings suggest that digital platforms may generate public-safety benefits beyond their primary commercial purpose," said study author Emtiaz Hossain Hritan, PhD, of the University of California, Irvin. "Ridesharing services may complement traditional crime-reduction strategies by improving mobility and expanding employment opportunities."
URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ecin.70087
