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Millions of New Yorkers are using rideshare services like Uber and Lyft to stay mobile. Most of the time these rides are relatively uneventful.
Not always, though. Crashes do happen, and when they do, figuring out liability can be complicated and time-consuming. You will almost certainly need the help of an experienced NY auto accident attorney to make sure you don’t get stuck with the bill if you are injured.
Despite this, there are a number of reasons why these services are so popular with New Yorkers. In this post, we’re going to cover the benefits of rideshares that – arguably – make them worth it.
These are the reasons more and more New Yorkers are choosing rideshares:
Ridesharing can be up to 50 percent less costly than public transportation in certain areas. People are using ridesharing apps for daily commutes and longer distance travel to save a bundle.
As compared to taxis, you don’t have to wait as long for a vehicle to come into your area, then flag it down to catch a ride. Ridesharing is often more convenient because the driver comes right to you from a nearby location – and you know they’re coming for you and your ride won’t be poached.
One major benefit is being able to view the estimated time of arrival for a rideshare driver within the app. No more guessing when you will be able to catch a ride – you can track it down to the second.
With fewer people taking single vehicles to work, sports arenas, or other events, the roads are less crowded. No one likes to wait in a traffic jam, and by putting fewer vehicles on the road, everyone can enjoy shorter wait times.
Fewer vehicles on the road also translates to lower smog levels. Ridesharing is a good choice for those who are environmentally conscientious. Everyone benefits from improved air quality, and ridesharing helps – at least a bit.
Many people who use ridesharing enjoy getting to know their drivers. They can also combine rides with others traveling to the same destination and experience even more social benefits in a single ride.
Since 2013, the DUI injuries and deaths have decreased as apps like Uber and Lyft have grown in popularity. Rideshare users are comfortable having a night of fun without worrying about getting arrested or hurting themselves or others by driving under the influence.
You don’t need to carry cash with ridesharing like you do for a taxi ride. The app will save your credit card information and automatically charge you. This is especially helpful if you need a lift but don’t have your wallet handy.
If you are a business owner or you travel for business, a rideshare app can help you track your travel expenses. This is much easier than handling receipts or trying to get a receipt from a taxi driver. Your expenses are all available on your credit card statement.
Beyond the complicated nature of liability and compensation that comes with using rideshares, there are also stories of harassment and other bad behaviors from drivers to consider before you make that next request for a ride.
Is it worth it? It’s a question that everyone has to answer for themselves, but no one can deny that a number of benefits exist.