A small change in the design of ride-hailing apps can make users more likely to choose walking or biking for short trips.
"In the U.S., studies have found that ride-hailing increases traffic, shrinks the number of people using public transportation, and hasn’t had much impact on car ownership, despite early arguments that Uber and Lyft might help reduce the number of cars on roads," writes Adele Peters in Fast Company. But can ride-hailing companies actually play a role in reducing car trips? European mobility app Bolt thinks so, and worked with Norway’s Institute of Transport Economics to prove it.
For a pilot in 10 European cities, when customers requested a ride for a short trip—less than 3 kilometers, or 1.9 miles—the app showed some users the nearest scooter, highlighted in green, as the second option on the screen. (Previously, if a user searched for rides, they would only see available drivers; and similarly, they would only see nearby scooters if they searched specifically for that option.) For those who saw the nudge, an average of 60% decided to shift from a car to a scooter ride, if the scooter was within 3 blocks.
Bolt cofounder Martin Villig said "By converting shorter journeys into scooter rides, we want to show people there is an alternative to owning a private car in a city and the benefits that can have in making urban areas more people-friendly." The minor change in how the app displays modes shows that small nudges can have a significant impact on mode choices.
FULL STORY: How the mobility app Bolt is nudging users away from cars
Uber and Lyft: A Tale of Two Companies
After years of resisting efforts by cities to regulate their business and constant—but unprofitable—growth, Uber and Lyft are homing in on their unique strengths.
California Judge Renders Gig Worker Law Unenforceable
A judge ruled against California's Proposition 22, which let ride-hailing and delivery businesses classify workers as independent contractors and discouraged unionization efforts.
Seattle Sees Strong Bike Share, Scooter Ridership
The city’s shared bikes and e-scooters provided half as many trips as a $2 billion tunnel.
How Smaller Supermarkets Could Transform American Communities
Bigger is not always better.
Research Links Urban Design and Human Happiness
An emerging field of ‘neuroarchitectural’ research is revealing how building facades and urban design impact the human brain and body.
Save Lives on Our Roads Using the Safe System Approach
Prioritizing safety and committing to the SSA framework can make a big impact in the effort to reduce traffic fatalities.
How AI Is Revolutionizing Urban Forestry and Climate Resilience
Tree-D Fusion, an AI-driven tool developed by MIT and Purdue researchers, generates 3D models of urban trees to help city planners visualize future green spaces, address climate challenges, and enhance urban livability and sustainability.
Key Climate and Health Issues to Watch in 2025
The escalating health impacts of climate change, from extreme heat to sea level rise, highlight the urgent need for integrated medical education, proactive communication, and sustainable policy solutions to protect public health.
Rising Temperatures and the Escalating Wildfire Crisis
Rising global temperatures driven by climate change are intensifying and prolonging wildfire seasons worldwide, necessitating improved forest management, public awareness, and urgent action to reduce fossil fuel emissions.
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.
City of Oxford
Caltrans - District 7
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport