Special Reports

Stanford, MIT and the University of Washington Researchers Show Ride Share Discrimination Does Happen

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This news report comes with a warning that although not an isolated case, the findings stated here are based on the survey involving individual share drivers in areas mentioned and not as a nationwide general statistics.

The National Bureau of Economic Research collaborated with Stanford, The University of Washington and MIT research team. The Seattle report on black people end up waiting for 35% longer for their Uber or Lyft rides and canceling on African American indications are relative to existing discrimination.

Charging female passengers with higher rates in Boston and inflicting longer rides due allegedly on flirtations must be looked into further. Double and triple cancellations also against African American names for UberX that constitute 15% of their rides are also cited.   

Cancellations with Lyft are not observed but speculated that drivers just don't accept request since they see the passengers' names beforehand unlike Uber, according to Stanford.

 MIT Sloan School of Management concludes the pattern of the discriminations mentioned that can only alarm the general public. Despite using technology through App, the society's attitudes never changed.

The issues stated here must be addressed by transportation entities like Uber and Lyft. The surveys are conducted to help improve public services. The use of passcodes instead of names is not crucial anymore if the root causes of discriminations are addressed.  

The disturbing fact about share ride drivers' tendency to profit more from female passengers sounds a little odd. This is not just possible if the proper pricing system is followed. If so, this is suggesting that the rate gauge can be prone to tampering.

Transportation as a social system is complicated. However, it is vital in the economy. The more efficient and cost-effective rides are the better the economy. It is also a driver of a healthier social interaction, says Fortune.

Perhaps time to take these surveys seriously. Eliminate the speculations from the facts and prioritize the real problems as soon as possible before public outrage can be seen.  

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