Benefits of Uber in Philadelphia: Reduced Drunk Driving

Jon Geeting updates the complicated issue of regulation of transportation network companies like Uber, Lyft, and Sidecar, where the cities of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are still negotiating with the state's Public Utilities Commission (PUC). For instance, "[the] latest development is that PUC judges have issued a cease-and-desist order to the companies, barring them from operating in the state. State senator Wayne Fontana - a [Pittsbugh Mayor Bill Peduto] ally - introduced a bill today that would go over PUC's head and legalize the services by creating a 'transportation network company' category in the Pennsylvania code. The idea is to tailor regulations specifically to the e-hailing apps, rather than treat them like regular taxis."

Geeting also cites the work of Nate Good, who recently posted findings of a correlation between transportation network companies coming on the market and reduced DUI arrests in Philadelphia. From Good's website:

After all ride sharing services were in effect (April 2013 through the end of 2013), the average number of DUIs per month dropped across the board by 11%, with those under 30 being mostly responsible for the drop:

• Overall: 1121.9 (11.1% decrease)
• Under 30: 450.9(18.5% decrease)
• Over 30: 671 (5.3% decrease)

Back in May, Uber itself (so consider the source) posted findings of reduced DUIs in cities where the service is allowed to operate.