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.
FULL STORY: Popularity of brief Uber, Lyft rides on campus raises environmental concerns
Report: Ride-Hailing Drastically Increases Vehicle Miles Traveled
New research published in Transport Policy finds that ride-hailing companies increase vehicle miles traveled of users by 97 percent in Chicago, 114 percent in New York City, and 118 percent in San Francisco.
Ride-Hailing Companies Greatly Increase Pollution, Study Says
The reality of ride hailing has fallen well short of the wishful thinking about reduced congestion and reduced pollution that defined the early days of Uber and Lyft.
Ride-Hailing Fee on the Table in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority will decide this week whether or not to proceed with separate studies of two ideas that would generate transportation funding from car trips and potentially influence driver behavior.
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design
Unlike other new builds in Denver, Colorado, a new high-rise reveals a unique “sculptural canyon” running vertically through the facade to foster a sense of community and connection to nature.
Opinion: Federal Government Must Continue Supporting Rural Housing Program
The incoming Congress will have a say in bolstering — or harming — the only federal housing program focused on affordable housing in rural areas.
Chicago Budget Fails to Include Snow Plowing Program
Disability rights advocates say the “Plow the Sidewalks” program is a necessity for Chicagoans with limited mobility in winter months.
Indy Bike Share Sees Sharp Growth Thanks to Free Pass Program
A new fleet of e-bikes and free access for Marion County residents are getting more people on bikes.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Village of Glen Ellyn
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners