Study: Uber Replacing Ambulances Nationwide

An ambulance ride can cost thousands of dollars—even surge pricing won't top that (most of the time.)

1 minute read

December 18, 2017, 10:00 AM PST

By Elana Eden


Ambulance

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As researchers continue studying the impacts of ride-hailing on travel patternspublic transit, and traffic, a new paper adds to the conversation with the conclusion that Uber is contributing to a drop in ambulance rides across the country. And in this case, at least, the study authors believe Uber is providing a needed service where a good alternative is not necessarily available.

Previous research, Moskatel said, "suggests that a fair number of people are using ambulances to get to the hospital because they simply don't have another way to get there" — particularly those who live in areas with limited taxi service.

And, Slusky added … "For many of us with high-deductible plans, an ambulance ride would cost thousands of dollars.'"

The paper uses data from Uber—the longest operating major ride-hailing company—to track ridership trends in 766 cities in 43 states from 2013 to 2015.

Wednesday, December 13, 2017 in The Mercury News

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