In recent years, ride-sharing services like Uber and traditional public transportation have become essential parts of urban mobility. They offer convenient, cost-effective solutions for getting around. However, the convenience of having public transportation might have more dangers than customers fully realize. The revenue for Uber in 2024 is 10.7 billion according to Simply Wall Street, a website on stock analysis and market research. “34 million times each weekday, people board public transportation,” according to the American Public Transportation Association. 

Recent studies and reports have highlighted an array of safety concerns associated with these modes of transportation. From the risks of road accidents to the threat of personal assault, the question of safety is increasingly pressing for both passengers and authorities. 

One of the most alarming issues is the lack of comprehensive background checks and real-time monitoring of drivers in some ride-sharing platforms. Unlike traditional taxi services, the criteria for becoming a ride-share driver can be less severe. This difference raises concerns about the potential dangers for individuals.

The nature of ride-sharing (getting into a car with a stranger) brings risks. There have been numerous reports of assaults by drivers on passengers, and vice versa. While companies like Uber have introduced safety features such as in-app emergency buttons and ride tracking, incidents continue to happen, casting doubt on the effectiveness of these measures. “Uber has been facing a growing number of allegations and civil lawsuits from rideshare passengers alleging that Uber drivers sexually assaulted them,” reports the Lawsuit Information Center. 

Public transportation is not without issues, though it has tended to be safer than ride-sharing. Overcrowding can lead to unsafe conditions for passengers. Incidences of pickpocketing, harassment, and physical assaults in crowded trains or buses are not uncommon, posing significant concerns. Specifically assault has increased roughly over 68 million U.S. adults, or 26%, experienced sexual harassment or assault in the past year, with women experiencing higher rates (32%) reported Stacey Plaisance, a student at Tulane University. 

In response to these challenges, there are calls for stricter regulation and oversight of both ride-sharing services and public transportation systems. Advocates for passenger safety argue that more needs to be done to ensure that anyone using these services is protected from harm. This includes better screening and monitoring of drivers, improved safety features in apps, and significant investment in public transportation infrastructure and security.