Jump to content
News
Reviews
Discussons
Activity
Create New...
Close

  • 💬 Join the Conversation

    CnG Logo SQ 2023 RedBlue FavIcon300w.png
    Since 2001, Cheers & Gears has been the go-to hub for automotive enthusiasts. Join today to access our vibrant forums, upload your vehicle to the Garage, and connect with fellow gearheads around the world.

     

  • William Maley
    William Maley

    By William Maley •

    New Study Reveals Ride-Hailing Services Will Still Be Expensive, Even With Robots

      ...That whole autonomous-vehicle will be our savor to ride-hailing services.... that may not be exactly true...

    There has been a prevailing thought about the likes of Uber and Lyft that once they switch from human drivers to self-driving vehicles, they would stand to see a significant reduction in overall operating costs. This possibly means consumers could see these services as an alternative to owning a vehicle. But a new study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) disputes that claim.

    Researchers Ashley Nunes and Kristen D. Hernandez examined the San Francisco market on the per-mile cost of an automated taxi service to owning a vehicle. They found an automated taxi would range between $1.58 and $6.01 per mile, while the conventional vehicle would be at $0.72 per mile.

    "When we started going into this work, we found there's a lot of hand-waving. There was a notion that 'All we have to do is remove the driver, assume a reduction in insurance, and there's our great number.' We said, 'Let's hold it up to scrutiny.' It didn't hold up," explained Nunes to Automotive News.

    The massive disparity gap isn't due to ownership or maintenance, rather a fundamental issue about the taxi market in general. Nunes said taxi operators drive too many miles without a paying customer - hence their higher costs. In San Francisco, the MIT researchers found a 52 percent utilization rate for ride-hailing. Even if they were able to reach 100 percent utilization, Nunes said they would still be "unable to provide a fare that's comparable to car ownership."

    "Their approach with the investment folks has been, 'Trust us, we'll figure this out and it'll be this great utopia where everyone is jumping from an Uber to a scooter to an air taxi.The future may well be all those things. But you need to demonstrate you can offer the service at a price point that consumers are willing and able to pay. Thus far, they are unable to do so," said Nunes.

    Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

    Go to articles

    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    Robert Hall

    I like using Uber occasionally when I’m going to dinner or a concert or other event downtown in an area without convenient parking...not something I’d use daily, but a few times a month..

    For vacations, I could see using Uber esp. in places where I wouldn't rent a car.  

    Edited by Robert Hall
    • Like 1
    • Agree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    frogger

    When travelling we use Uber but around here we just use the subway when needed, gone are the days I'm out past last train.

     

    Edited by frogger
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    riviera74

    Equally important is that rideshares are not practical in a lot of small towns and rural America more generally.  I have no need for a rideshare, but I do feel sorry for those who live in the middle of nowhere without a CAR of their own.

    • Like 1
    • Agree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Drew Dowdell

    I use Uber/Lyft to get to and from the airport primarily because work won't reimburse mileage for the trip and it is a 60 mile round trip for me which adds up as much as I travel. 

    That said... Uber and Lyft aren't all that expensive today even with human drivers. They're cheaper than taxis. 

    • Agree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    ccap41

    They can be extremely convenient. A couple years ago when we went to Vegas, we never needed to rent a vehicle because we were close enough to walk most places but those we couldn't the $10-30 for an Uber/Lyft was way cheaper and even more convenient than finding a place to park and most likely paying to park as well. 

    We also use them if we're going out drinking places, no worry of a DUI if you're not driving. 

    It's really all about location. When you're in a larger populated area, it's way more convenient to Uber/Lyft then drive a lot of the time. 

    • Agree 2
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    G. David Felt

    Do not forget Private auto's. Getting from SeaTac airport to my house is a $125 plus tip in a Yellow Cab, $100 plus tip in an Uber / lyft and cheapest is private car, $75 plus tip. I use the private auto's because the cost is so much cheaper over a traditional taxi or messing with the uber / lyft app stuff.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Robert Hall
    45 minutes ago, dfelt said:

    Do not forget Private auto's. Getting from SeaTac airport to my house is a $125 plus tip in a Yellow Cab, $100 plus tip in an Uber / lyft and cheapest is private car, $75 plus tip. I use the private auto's because the cost is so much cheaper over a traditional taxi or messing with the uber / lyft app stuff.

    But once you factor in the cost of parking at the airport (if you leave your vehicle there for several days), then taxi/uber/etc may make more sense. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Drew Dowdell
    48 minutes ago, dfelt said:

    Do not forget Private auto's. Getting from SeaTac airport to my house is a $125 plus tip in a Yellow Cab, $100 plus tip in an Uber / lyft and cheapest is private car, $75 plus tip. I use the private auto's because the cost is so much cheaper over a traditional taxi or messing with the uber / lyft app stuff.

    You must live way out there.  I"m 30 miles from the PIT airport and its usually between $50 and $60 dollars one way in Uber/Lyft.

    I do it because of the mileage non-reimbursement.... but they'll reimburse me for a Lyft.  It makes no sense, but it's the system I have to work with. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    ccap41
    9 minutes ago, Robert Hall said:

    But once you factor in the cost of parking at the airport (if you leave your vehicle there for several days), then taxi/uber/etc may make more sense. 

    Yeah airport parking is insane. Depending how close/far away you are it's $7.00(reasonable) to $30 a day here at Lambert(Just checked). Most seem to be in the $10-$20 range. That sht adds up. 

    • Agree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    G. David Felt
    58 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

    You must live way out there.  I"m 30 miles from the PIT airport and its usually between $50 and $60 dollars one way in Uber/Lyft.

    I do it because of the mileage non-reimbursement.... but they'll reimburse me for a Lyft.  It makes no sense, but it's the system I have to work with. 

    Takes me 1hr 30 min to get from my house to SeaTac. With the New Pane Field in Everett, now 15 min or less to get from my house to that new airport in Everett.

    1 hour ago, Robert Hall said:

    But once you factor in the cost of parking at the airport (if you leave your vehicle there for several days), then taxi/uber/etc may make more sense. 

    Yes, that is true, just makes more sense to have my wife in the past would drive and we would drop the daughter off at work, then go to the airport and she would drive home. Being a morning person, I always get the first flight out in the morning.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Robert Hall
    1 minute ago, dfelt said:

    Takes me 1hr 30 min to get from my house to SeaTac. With the New Pane Field in Everett, now 15 min or less to get from my house to that new airport in Everett.

    Yes, that is true, just makes more sense to have my wife in the past would drive and we would drop the daughter off at work, then go to the airport and she would drive home. Being a morning person, I always get the first flight out in the morning.

    Yeah, like when I lived in Arizona, I would drop my sister off at the airport every Sunday evening/Monday morning and pick her up Thursday evening when she worked out of town for years.   When I lived in Colorado, I would leave a vehicle at DIA sometimes for 2-3 weeks in long term parking when I would go on vacations.    

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    balthazar

    It just struck me about the opening pic: that’s a pretty demure outfit for a prostitute. I guess in 2019, they should be able to dress however they see fit/ makes them comfortable rather than how ‘street society’ tells them they have to.

    • Haha 1
    • Confused 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    G. David Felt
    7 minutes ago, balthazar said:

    It just struck me about the opening pic: that’s a pretty demure outfit for a prostitute. I guess in 2019, they should be able to dress however they see fit/ makes them comfortable rather than how ‘street society’ tells them they have to.

    Did I miss the ride hailing service picture with a prostitute on the cover? ?

    Just saw the pic Bill used. :lol:

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    G. David Felt
    1 hour ago, Drew Dowdell said:

    The driver is female too.... Are there Lesbian hookers? Do they hang out at Uhaul stores?

    That should be popular then as a 3 some was listed on the dreams of college students for a crazy night of passion.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites


    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

    ×



  • Support Real Automotive Journalism

    Cheers and Gears Logo

    Since 2001, Cheers & Gears has delivered real content and honest opinions — not emotionless AI output or manufacturer-filtered fluff.

    If you value independent voices and authentic reviews, consider subscribing. Plans start at just $2.25/month, and paid members enjoy an ad-light experience.*

    You can view subscription options here.

    *a very limited number of ads contain special coupon deals for our members and will show

  • Similar Content

  • Posts

    • trinacriabob
      Random Thoughts Thread

      By trinacriabob · Posted

      Recycling can be aggravating in some places.  I am very far from being a tree hugger, but I'm a big believer in recycling.  When you're in a red state and/or an area where they just don't care, you may not even find the bins for it.  Sometimes I find that I keep my recyclable things in the car until I find some bins.  I couldn't believe how many rest areas in Florida do not have recycling bins, so the junk accumulates in my rental car.  Then, I've been at libraries where they have the separate bins and watched the janitor pick up the trash ... only to watch him just throw all the recyclable stuff in with the regular trash.
    • Drew Dowdell
      AI Autospotters

      By Drew Dowdell · Posted

      Trying an AI Genesis G60 again with the link @G. David Felt provided.  I like this interior a lot more, I'm not sure about the look from the front.    Here's the ones from the other thread
    • G. David Felt
      Random Thoughts Thread

      By G. David Felt · Posted

      Seems like the car segment in Europe  has finally joined the rest of the world as car sales tank in the move to SUVs. https://www.carscoops.com/2025/12/premium-sedan-sales-are-collapsing-in-europe-but-theres-hope/
    • G. David Felt
      Kia News: Kia Celebrates 80 Years with Vision Meta Turismo Concept

      By G. David Felt · Posted

      Kia kicked off celebrating their 80th year in automotive production with a new exhibition in Kia Vision Square in Yongin, Korea. The celebration looked at where Kia began with their first 3-wheel pickup truck to their 4-door sedans and ended with the reveal of their Vision Meta Turismo Concept car. Executive Vice President Karim Habib had the following to say about the Vision Meta Turismo Concent: “The Vision Meta Turismo embodies Kia’s vision that integrates dynamic mobility and human-centered spaces. It is an expression of Kia’s commitment to continually bring technologically advanced mobility and experiences that engage, stimulate, and inspire.” What are the key features of the Kia Vision Meta Turismo concept car? The Vision Meta Turismo is a modern reinterpretation of three core experiences: Performance driving Immersive driving experience through digital interaction Spaciousness of the lounge space Its exterior reflects the Kia design philosophy 'Opposites United', featuring a futuristic silhouette that blends soft surfaces with geometric elements. Inside, the design enhances human-mobility interaction through digital technology and creates a highly immersive experience for both drivers and passengers, with unique design elements and a spacious layout. A highlight is the Vision Meta Turismo’s steering wheel, which reimagines the next-generation intuitive driving interface. It offers a more immersive driving experience with three digital modes – Speedster, Dreamer, and Gamer – utilizing AR Head-Up Display (HUD) technology to deliver tailored user experiences for different driving environments. The AR HUD integrates smart glass into the vehicle, enabling drivers to view virtual graphics as if they are floating above the road in three dimensions. Kia will unveil full information on the concept in the near future.   View full article
    • G. David Felt
      AI Autospotters

      By G. David Felt · Posted

      Used this site to have it generate me an exterior and interior version of a KIA EV9 with Genesis look. Deep Image https://deepimg.ai/ai-image-generator/ Have to say I really like this look! @Drew Dowdell I could so enjoy this SUV. Am excited for the GV90 to come out next year if we still get it here in the U.S.

  • Who's Online (See full list)

  • My Clubs

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

Hey there, we noticed you're using an ad-blocker. We're a small site that is supported by ads or subscriptions. We rely on these to pay for server costs and vehicle reviews.  Please consider whitelisting us in your ad-blocker, or if you really like what you see, you can pick up one of our subscriptions for just $1.75 a month or $15 a year. It may not seem like a lot, but it goes a long way to help support real, honest content, that isn't generated by an AI bot.

See you out there.

Drew
Editor-in-Chief

I've whitelisted
Continue without support

Write what you are looking for and press enter or click the search icon to begin your search