National Center for Congestion Reduction
Key Terms
Transportation Network Company (TNC): A service that provides the traveler with prearranged and/or on-demand access to a ride for a fee using a digitally enabled application or platform (e.g., smartphone apps) to connect travelers with drivers using their personal, rented, or leased motor vehicles (SAE International, 2021)
Taxi: A service that provides the traveler prearranged and/or on-demand access to a ride service in a motor vehicle for a fee for use (SAE International, 2021)
Background and Objectives
Existing research suggests that women may be more likely to take more frequent and shorter trips than men. Transportation network companies (TNCs) (i.e., Uber and Lyft) and taxis are two potential modes that women may consider to meet their travel needs. However, safety and gender-equity concerns may present barriers for women to use these travel modes. This research aims to understand the gender-equity and safety concerns associated with TNCs and taxis for female passengers and drivers. In addition, this research identifies policy options that may promote the use of TNCs and taxis by women to connect to other modes (i.e., public transit) and thereby promote congestion reduction.
Methodology
To explore the gender issues associated with TNCs and taxis, this research employed a mixed-methods approach including: 1) focus groups, 2) surveys, and 3) expert interviews of both female drivers, passengers, and non-users of these services. In August 2023, two focus groups were held via Zoom and lasted approximately 1.5 hours. One focus group was comprised of women who drive for TNCs (n=8), while the other included women passengers of TNCs and taxis (n=8). Together, the focus groups helped to identify emerging challenges for women driving for TNCs and taxis and informed the survey design. Two surveys were developed for women TNC and taxi drivers (n=170) and female passengers and non-users of these services (n=440). The surveys were distributed through the Qualtrics online survey platform in December 2023 to a panel of women across the U.S. The driver survey asked the respondents questions about their driving behavior (i.e., what platforms they drive for, where they drive, etc.); their income and expenses as a driver; safety incidents and precautions; and other questions to understand their experience when accepting rides from passengers who are traveling with children. The passenger and non-user survey asked women about their travel behavior, safety and precautions taken during travel, and challenges they may face when traveling with children. Respondents who were non-users of TNCs and taxis were asked about their reasons for not using TNCs and taxis and if they have experienced any incidents using these modes in the past. The research team also conducted expert interviews (n=13) with researchers, transportation professionals, and TNC drivers to obtain additional information about issues raised during the focus groups and surveys. These interviews were guided by an interview protocol, and they were conducted from January to May 2024 via Zoom. Limitations of this research include limited representation of female taxi drivers and the lack of a control group to compare perspectives from drivers and passengers who identify as male or gender expansive.
Research Findings
Key Findings Among Female Drivers:
• Women may start driving for a TNC to earn additional income.
• Women have experienced unsafe or uncomfortable situations as drivers (e.g., physical and verbal harassment).
• Many women take additional safety measures to help prevent uncomfortable and unsafe situations (e.g., installing a security camera, not driving late at night, restricting passengers to sitting in the back seat).
Key Findings Among Female Passengers:
• Many women take safety precautions when traveling in TNCs or taxis (e.g., confirming the driver and vehicle, sharing their location, and communicating with others about their trip plans and ride status).
• Women may experience challenges when traveling by TNC or taxi with children (e.g., bringing and storing car seats and/or strollers).
Policy and Practice Recommendations
The research team identified four key areas of concern for female drivers and passengers. Table 1 summarizes these challenges and potential opportunities to address these gender-related concerns.
Table 1. Opportunities to Address Gender Equity Challenges for Female TNC and Taxi Drivers and Passengers
Reference
SAE International. (2021). JA3163 Taxonomy of On-Demand and Shared Mobility: Ground, Aviation, and Marine. SAE International. https://www.sae.org/standards/content/ja3163_202106/
Authors: Susan Shaheen, PhD, Adam Cohen, Brooke Wolfe, and Jacob Champlin — University of California, Berkeley
For more information, contact: Susan Shaheen
For more information on this project, download the entire report from the NICR website or contact [email protected]
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Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation University Transportation Centers — National Institute for Congestion Reduction
This publication was produced by the National Institute for Congestion Reduction. The contents of this brief reflect the views of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the information presented herein. This document is disseminated under the program management of USDOT, Office of Research and Innovative Technology Administration in the interest of information exchange. The U.S. Government assumes no liability for the contents or use thereof.