The role of ride-hailing in the New Urban Mobility Framework
The role of ride-hailing in the New Urban Mobility Framework
Move EU welcomes the European Commission’s December 2021 Communication setting out a new urban mobility framework. We are encouraged by the recognition of ride-hailing as a “game-changer” and of the model of private hire vehicles with drivers (PHV) services that compete with traditional taxi services.
However, the Communication does not identify the potential role that ride-hailing services can play in rethinking movement in urban areas and in switching to the next gear in the twin transition.
Reducing the dependency on private car ownership
Though 75% of Europeans living in urban areas suffer from congestion, poor air quality and less optimal urban space, they still over-rely on personal cars in absence of other more accessible, affordable and sustainable options. By enabling citizens to request a ride at any time of the day and year, ride-hailing services offer a reliable alternative to private car ownership for urban dwellers.
Not every city can offer round-the-clock public transport services, or these may be limited to the core network. In such situations, alternative solutions can fill the gap. In cities where ride-hailing services are available, citizens can be at ease and are only a few clicks away from their tailored mobility solution. Improved public transport, complemented by innovative solutions such as ride-hailing, can transform cities by reducing the dependency on private cars which, in turn, reduces congestion, pollution and the space needed for roads, enabling authorities to rethink urban space.
Role of ride-hailing
The popularity and demand of ride-hailing has increased significantly over the past years. Ride-hailing services complement the traditional urban mobility portfolio and offer individual solutions for first- or last-mile transportation. Privately owned cars are parked most of the time - the availability of ride- hailing services also reduces the individual’s reliance on privately owned cars, and can help to reduce congestion, the need for parking space and improve the overall urban environment. Ride-hailing services offer more flexibility and enable passengers to reach areas of cities that are less connected by other means of transport. Moreover, services are available around the clock, offering passengers a truly tailored on-demand experience. These aspects were particularly important during the COVID pandemic, where citizens were reluctant to use public transport - ride-hailing platforms could ensure the safe on-demand door-to-door mobility of essential workers. The flexibility offered by ride-hailing services for passengers is also one of the key reasons for the attractiveness among drivers - they can choose working times and use several ride-hailing platforms at the same time.
Increasing energy efficiency
Hundreds of thousands of drivers are active on ride-hailing platforms in the EU. To be able to offer such services, according to local regulations, each driver must obtain and hold a license which requires considerable investment (e.g. in time and money). To maximise revenues, most drivers are multi-apping: drivers are using several applications at the same time, to reduce waiting times between trips, and to be able to choose the next trip from different platforms.
Multi-apping benefits all: a driver using more than one application maximises their economic opportunity and the efficiency in the usage of their vehicle. The ability to take trip after trip reduces waiting times for clients, and increases energy efficiency due to no or shorter empty runs.
While ride-hailing platforms such as Move EU member companies do not own vehicle fleets, they are working towards decarbonising ride-hailing services and supporting drivers in the switch to zero- emission vehicles. This has an immediate impact on tail-pipe emissions, particulate matter and noise emissions, all of which can play a significant role for urban dwellers.
About us
Move EU brings together the leading actors in the field of ride-hailing. Speaking with one voice, our members aim to foster sustainable deployment of on-demand mobility and new mobility services in the European Union. Move EU members connect passengers with licensed on-demand taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers, for the purpose of carrying passengers in return for payment.