Ridesharing services may offer public safety benefits beyond transportation
New research published in Economic Inquiry reveals that ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft may reduce crime in some areas.
A recent study published in Economic Inquiry suggests that ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft may contribute to reduced crime rates in certain U.S. cities. The research analyzed data from the gradual introduction of these services since 2010 and found that they were associated with a 4.6% decrease in violent crime, a 5.6% reduction in property crimes, and a 10.5% drop in burglaries.
While the study did not observe significant effects on larceny, motor vehicle theft, or arson, the authors believe that improved employment opportunities resulting from ridesharing platforms may have played a crucial role in these crime reductions. Dr. Emtiaz Hossain Hritan, a researcher from the University of California, Irvine, stated that digital platforms could generate public safety benefits beyond their initial commercial purpose.
Dr. Hritan emphasized that ridesharing services may complement traditional crime-reduction strategies by enhancing mobility and expanding employment opportunities. The study, titled "Crime on the Move? The Effect of Ridesharing Services on Crime," was published in Economic Inquiry in 2026 and can be accessed via DOI: 10.1111/ecin.70087.
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