Rideshare: Helpful or Harmful to the Environment?

With today's ever changing world, there are more and more alternatives for people to get where they need to go.  Mass public transportation through bus routes and metro systems are not only convenient when traveling through busy cities, but also environmentally friendly.  Recently, there has been a newer trend hitting the streets: ridesharing.  Companies like Uber, Lyft, and Sidecar have begun to take their part of the public transportation marketshare.  Although these and other similar companies are still in the early stages of their inception it would seem they are headed on the right path.  We are beginning to see how they are revolutionizing and impacting the public transportation industry.  A 2001 report from the Transportation Research Board in Washington DC concluded that "organized dynamic ridesharing provides households with the opportunity to save money by reducing the number of cars they own, but without sacrificing convenience."  Moreover, these companies have the ability to employ an almost endless number of drivers who provide rides at a much lower cost than a typical taxi. 

Looking for Incentive?

In 2003, the government subsidized the SUV market by giving up to $100,000 in deductions for the purchase—making such a vehicle practically free if you could afford the cost upfront. It was technically part of a bill designed to help farmers purchase vehicles, but any vehicle around 6,000 Lb was eligible, not just those intended for use on farms. This loophole was exploited by car salesmen, consumers, and oil companies alike. The environment was not consulted. Over 100 million dollars were allocated that year for such an expense. Although the subsidy was decreased afterward, the loophole remains. Next year, the figure may be as high as $500 million.