National Poll Shows Passengers Want Uber Drivers Fingerprinted
81% of Respondents Say “Feeling Safe” is Top Concern with Rides-for-Hire; 68% View Fingerprint Background Checks for Drivers As Top Priority
A new poll commissioned by one of the nation’s oldest and largest transportation trade groups shows that American passengers care deeply about safety, and overwhelmingly want fingerprint-based background checks for all drivers, including for Uber and other so-called Transportation Network Companies (TNCs).
The survey on American attitudes was funded by the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association and independently conducted by FrederickPolls. The poll surveyed 3,075 American consumers in markets where TNCs such as Uber and Lyft operate.
The poll finds the single most important factor for passengers is “feeling safe” in a ride-for-hire vehicle. Eighty one percent (81%) of poll respondents rated “feeling safe” 10 or 9 on a 1-to-10 scale of importance. Sixty eight percent (68%) of respondents said “having drivers who passed a police fingerprint criminal background check” rated a 10 or 9 in importance on a 1-to-10 scale.
“Consumers clearly view passenger safety as their single, top concern in this industry, and they see fingerprint background checks for drivers as the number one requirement to accomplish this,” said TLPA President Dwight Kines. “Lawmakers should bear these findings in mind as they continue to encounter resistance to fingerprinting drivers from Uber and Lyft.”
A majority of those surveyed (58%) said that in order to “make ride-for-hire services equal” and to create a level playing field, TNCs should follow the same regulations as taxicabs, while only 18 percent said they support deregulating the taxicab industry.
The poll also points to a downward trend for public transportation systems. Forty-nine percent (49%) of poll respondents reported using public transit less since they began using TNCs. Young people were especially inclined to avoid using public transit, with 53 percent of respondents in the 18-29 age group saying they now use public transit less often.
A summary of the poll’s major findings may be found below in the infographic and followed with the survey results in greater detail.
Taxicab, Uber or Lyft: Factors in Costumer Satisfaction
Source: Who’s Driving You
Survey Results: 3,075 “Transportation Network Company Eligible” Consumers in the U.S. (in markets where TNCs operate)
by TLPA
Sample Demographics — This U.S. sample is young (42% under age 40) and highly educated (77% college grads), exactly the market TNCs target.
Use of Transportation Services: By Age — While use of taxicabs is consistently in the high 80% among consumers aged 40+, among those in their 20s, more (85%) have used Uber in the last year than rode in a taxicab (67%). Lyft usage drops sharply with age peaking for those in their 20s (35%), then 25% for those in their 30s into single digits 50+. Limousine users are 10 points over average with these same 50+ consumers while public transit use is consistently in the 70% for all age groups.
Frequency of Using TNCs and Taxicabs over Past Year — While more of these “TNC eligible” consumers have used a taxicab than a TNC over the past year, TNC customers tend to be higher frequency users. Just over half (54%) used taxicabs more than once but less than 12 times (once monthly average). About one third (36%) used TNCs at the same modest frequency. However, seventeen percent (17%) took a TNC ride at least once per month over the last year (7% twice monthly or more) while 10% took a taxicab ride at least once per month.
Frequency of Using TNCs and Taxicabs: By Age — About one third of consumers in their 20s (34%) are monthly-plus users of TNCs compared to just 13% for taxicabs. In fact, across all age categories, modest taxicab usage of once per year or less than once per month average stays close to the total sample average of 77%.
Impact of TNC Use on Other Transportation Options — Use of Uber and Lyft has significant impact since 85% say this has resulted in using taxicabs less, 49% using public transit less, and 60% using limousine service less.
Impact of TNC Use on Other Transportation Options: By Age — Reduced taxicab use is in the upper 80% for those under the age of 50 but is still 78% for those 65+. Similar patterns in reduced usage also apply to public transit and limousine service confirming that TNCs are cutting most significantly into market share among millennials.
Rank of Most Important Factors in Customer Satisfaction for Ride-for-Hire Services — “Safety” is the single most important factor in the ride-for-hire customer experience with two-thirds (66%) rating it a “10” on a ten-point scale. In second place, about half rate “10” for “drivers passing police fingerprint and criminal background checks” and “reasonable rates.” After this, third tier factors (around 40% rating “10”) are driver navigation, upfront fares, insurance coverage and quick pick-up.
See full survey below.
About TLPA:
Established in 1917, the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association (TLPA) is a non-profit trade association of and for the private passenger transportation industry. Its extensive membership spans the globe to include 1,100 taxicab companies, executive sedan and limousine services, airport shuttle fleets, non-emergency medical transportation companies, and paratransit services. For more information, please visit www.tlpa.org.
