E-hail (rideshare) knowledge, use, reliance, and future expectations among older adults

Abstract

The goals of this study were to explore e-hail (e.g., Uber/Lyft) knowledge, use, reliance, and future expectations among older adults. Specifically, we aimed to identify factors that were related to e-hail, and how older adults view this mode as a potential future transportation option. Data were collected from a sample of older adults using a pencil-and-paper mailed survey. Univariate, bivariate, and regression techniques were used to assess the relationships among e-hail and several demographic and other factors. Almost three-quarters of the sample (74%) reported no e-hail knowledge. Only 1.7% had used e-hail to arrange a ride,andonly 3.3% reported that they relied on e-hail for any of their transportation needs. Younger age, male gender, more education, higher transportation satisfaction, and discussing transportation options with others were all independently associated with greater e-hail knowledge. Male gender also predicted e-hail use. E-hail was the mode least relied upon by older adults. Current e-hail knowledge was the biggest predictor of anticipated future use. E-hail may be a viable future option for older adults who have limited or stopped driving. More exposure to e-hail and continued evolution of these services is required to overcome older adults' lower internet/smartphone use. Policies could be implemented at departments of motor vehicles to pair information or training on transportation alternatives (like e-hail) with elimination of driving privileges, or at doctors' offices, senior centers, or hospitals. Potential underlying reasons for the findings are also discussed.

Factors Associated with Travel Behavior of Millennials and Older Adults: A Scoping Review

“…Compared to men, older women are also found to make fewer trips and more short-distance trips as they age [28,34,46,62,65]. The rate of using or having knowledge of shared mobility options, such as ridesharing services (i.e., Uber/Lyft) is very low among older adults, and use decreases with increasing age [66,67]. Though men are more likely to use these services compared to women [63,67], as suggested by Ahern and Hine [13], the lower car dependency amongst women may also encourage them to use alternative transport services such as taxis, ridesharing, and community bus services.…”

“…Black older adults are found to travel more, and Asians are found to use transit more than other ethnic groups [64]. The rate of using alternative modes such as taxis and ridesharing services is higher among whites [63,67], whereas racial and ethnic minority groups show a higher level of perceived need for alternative transport services [68].…”

The use of expert review in component development for customer satisfaction towards e-hailing

“…Having a knowledge about e-hailing gave an impact on overall satisfaction because customers will be comfortable to use the system once they understand the overall functions of e-hailing and when they satisfied, it will lead to strengthening e-hailing in the future [1]. Measuring customer satisfaction is a need for companies to develop effective strategies, improve their services and gain a competitive advantage [9].…”

“…E-hailing is an online transportation service that experiencing fast growth and has brought a revolution into the transportation industry since the establishing of Uber in 2009 and Lyft in 2012 [1]. E-hailing with other names also known as ride-hailing, ride-booking or on-demand ride deliver the same purpose in connecting the customer's location to the driver via global positioning system (GPS) and the fare will be charged based on distance [2].…”

Research on development of China E-hailing industry

“…A study of Brazil showed that online taxis have replaced a large number of traditional taxis and public transport trips [2]. Vivoda et al [5] found that the elderly use Internet car very rare, that it is necessary to provide training services for the elderly in order to facilitate their travel. But few people have made research on Chinese E-hailing industries compared with other country.…”