Mobility Behavioral Responses to Transportation Network Companies

This research investigates how a disruptive force -- Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) -- is impacting energy consumption in transportation. It also helps better understand specific areas that encourage energy efficiency increases in mobility. It also helps to better understand specific areas that encourage energy efficiency increases in mobility. There are limited data sources and research to understand the energy implications of TNC ride-hailing services. This task is gathering data and conducting analysis related to TNCs from a variety of sources. Results will start to fill a gap in the energy implications induced by the mobility behavior responses to TNCs. Effect analysis of TNC date of entry on vehicle registrations may indicate extent to which travellers value existing vehicles, and how makeup of the on-road fleet is changing due to TNCs. Preliminary analysis of RideAustin data suggests that nearly half of all TNC miles traveled are without a rider. Results can be used as inputs to BEAM and POLARIS to forecast system energy use under different TNC scenarios.