The ridesharing economy has been growing steadily since its birth – almost 10 years ago. But is it just a trend that has now started to decline? 

Not really.

The global ride-sharing market is expected to grow by more than 50 percent between 2020 and 2021, according to Statista. 

Especially in the US, more people who are now vaccinated are out again rediscovering many of the ridesharing benefits.

Today, we present to you the best of them!

1. Safety from COVID-19 While Running Errands

Up to this day, there are many obscure facts regarding COVID-19 but one thing is for certain: the more crowded the place, the higher the chance of catching coronavirus. Not only that but when a space is not very airy the chance of infection becomes even higher.

Scientists recognized these potential dangers since the beginning of the pandemic. And the truth is that no matter how much you try to protect yourself when using transportation, you can’t be totally safe.

Social distancing becomes difficult on crowded rides. More often than not, you need to share your space with others for more than just a few minutes. And with coronavirus particles potentially lingering in the air, there’s always a chance to catch coronavirus. 

This is when ridesharing truly shines.

When ridesharing, you are as safe as possible during your transportation. First, you aren’t sharing your ride with anyone but yourself or with people you’ve chosen to do so. Second, platforms strongly advise drivers to get vaccinated and a great number of them have been waiting their turn for vaccination before they return to the wheel. Therefore, as rideshare drivers’ numbers are growing along with the vaccinated population, riders are getting more confident to take a rideshare than any other time during the pandemic.

So, the next time you want to go grocery shopping or visit a friend and you want to be as safe as possible, consider getting a ride instead of using public transportation. 

2. After the Bar Drinking With Friends

“Don’t drink and drive” they say – and for good reason.

28% of all traffic deaths involve an alcohol-impaired driver. You probably don’t want to be that driver. 

Driving under the influence of alcohol comes with many problems such as:

• Slower reaction time
• Concentration reduction
• Lackluster coordination
• Blurred vision
• Impeded judgment

If you are prone to drinking more than “a light beer”, it’s a good idea to leave your car or bike home, and rideshare to your destination instead.

Also, in case you went to your destination with your vehicle but ended up getting tipsy – or worse, there’s no shame in leaving your vehicle where you parked it for the night and come back tomorrow to get it. Your vehicle will be safe if left alone but you won’t be if you hop on and drive under the influence.  

Worst case scenario: you get a parking ticket. And that’s OK.

3. When You Don’t Feel Well 

You don’t have to be boozed up to avoid driving your own vehicle.

Sometimes, you feel under the weather and that’s alright. It’s very likely that you don’t have the strength or concentration to drive yourself. And public transportation doesn’t seem like a good idea with all that waiting and squeezing and then waiting some more. That’s when you should call a rideshare service. 

Photo by Paul Hanaoka on Unsplash

Within minutes, someone will pick you up and drop you at your destination safely without you having to stress unnecessarily.

4. To Rediscover Your City

When you drive, your objective is to get from point A to point B. But what if you weren’t driving and you were ridesharing instead? I know what you think. You’d probably be sitting at the back seat, having your head buried in your phone. Indeed, most of us are guilty of being on our phones a little too much.

Next time your rideshare, try putting your phone aside. Take a big breath and give yourself some time to unwind. Make yourself comfortable and look outside the window. Just observe and focus on your surroundings.

Take a closer look at that local shop you pass every day. Doesn’t it look different when you pay attention? Or what about the street art a few blocks away? Maybe you’d never have noticed it otherwise.

5. Request a Ride for Someone Else

The final ridesharing benefit is about the people you care about.

Maybe there is a family member, a friend, or a colleague that doesn’t have their phone with them or their battery ran out. Or maybe they don’t have a phone altogether. This is where you can step in and book a ride for them. Not only that but you will also know when they reach their destination safely and securely. Some ridesharing apps even have a safe monitoring feature that lets you stay connected with those you care for during their ride.
Ordering a ride is also a great way to make a good impression on your date. Before the date, you can book a ride that will drive them to your meet-up point. Especially if they don’t own a vehicle, they are going to appreciate that move a lot.