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Does ride-hailing increase or decrease vehicle kilometers traveled (VKT)? A simulation approach for Santiago de Chile

Authors:
Alejandro Tirachini at University of Twente and Universidad de Chile
Alejandro Tirachini
  • University of Twente and Universidad de Chile
Andrés Gómez-Lobo at University of Chile
Andrés Gómez-Lobo
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Many authors have pointed out the importance of determining the impact of ride-hailing (ridesourcing) on vehicle kilometers traveled (VKT), and thus on transport externalities like congestion. However, to date there is scant evidence on this subject. In this paper we use survey results on Uber use by residents of Santiago, Chile, and information from other studies to parameterize a model to determine whether the advent of ride-hailing applications increases or decreases the number of VKT. Given the intrinsic uncertainty on the value of some model parameters, we use a Monte Carlo simulation for a range of possible parameter values. Our results indicate that unless ride-hailing applications substantially increase average occupancy rate of trips and become shared or pooled ride-hailing, the impact is an increase in VKT. We discuss these results in light of current empirical research in this area.
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... On the other hand, the availability of smartphone apps may have a boomerang effect, leading to increases in distance traveled and related emissions. One study found that the impacts of ride sharing apps on vehicle kilometers traveled depend on the occupancy rates (number of riders per vehicle) of ride sharing users (Tirachini & Gomez-Lobo, 2020). This points to the importance of "sharing" in ride sharing apps in determining environmental outcomes. ...
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