The Ride-Hailing Reality

Unlike traditional taxi companies, almost anyone can drive for a ride-hailing service. A driver simply needs a car and a smartphone. Uber, the largest ride-hailing provider, is available in 84 countries worldwide, averaging 40 million rides per month. Some have criticized ride-hailing services for their lack of regulation, insurance, licensure, inspections, and driver training. Some negative ride-hailing stories have also made it into the headlines—from a Kalamazoo Uber driver who went on a shooting spree, to a San Francisco driver who assaulted a passenger with a hammer.