Students at the University of California, Los Angeles are using ride-hailing companies to get between classes on campuses. The effect is far from the congestion and emissions reducing idea many hoped for from companies like Uber and Lyft.
"UCLA students call about 11,000 Uber and Lyft rides that never leave campus every week," reports Manya Kidambi. The trip choice of the students "[raise] concerns about the environmental impact of unnecessary trips."
UCLA Transportation gathered the data to produce the startling findings. Yifang Zhu, associate director of the Center for Clean Air and a professor on campus, is quoted in the article saying that these short trips produce a large amount of carbon emissions.
CJ Macklin, a Lyft spokesperson, is also quoted in the article, saying the company offsets carbon emissions generated by trips with the company. Still, emissions result from drivers waiting to pick up riders or circling while waiting for a new trip.
Read the full story: Popularity of brief Uber, Lyft rides on campus raises environmental concerns
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