Ridesharing Cuts US Crime Rates

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft may offer public safety benefits beyond transportation, with research suggesting they can reduce crime rates in certain areas. A study published in Economic Inquiry found significant reductions in violent crimes, property crimes, and burglaries linked to the rollout of ridesharing services in US cities since 2010.

The study found that the rollout of ridesharing services was linked to a 4.6% reduction in the rate of violent crimes, a 5.6% reduction in the rate of property crimes, and a 10.5% reduction in the rate of burglaries. These reductions are notable, given the significant impact that crime can have on communities.

Improved employment opportunities generated by ridesharing platforms may have played an important role in these crime reductions. By providing alternative sources of income, ridesharing services may help to reduce the economic motivations that can drive individuals to commit crimes.

The study's author, Emtiaz Hossain Hritan, Ph.D., of the University of California, Irvine, suggests that digital platforms like ridesharing services may generate public safety benefits beyond their primary commercial purpose. This is an important finding, as it highlights the potential for technology to have a positive impact on society.

## Why it matters The study's findings have significant implications for public safety policy. By reducing crime rates, ridesharing services may be able to complement traditional crime-reduction strategies, such as improved policing and community engagement. Additionally, the study's findings suggest that ridesharing services may be able to improve mobility and expand employment opportunities, which can have a positive impact on communities.

The study's results are based on data collected during the staggered rollout of ridesharing services in U.S. cities since 2010. The study's findings are published in Economic Inquiry, and are available online with a DOI of 10.1111/ecin.70087.

Overall, the study's findings suggest that ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft may have a positive impact on public safety, beyond their primary purpose of providing transportation. By reducing crime rates and improving employment opportunities, ridesharing services may be able to make a significant contribution to the well-being of communities.