Abstract:
This research paper attempts to assess the environmental impacts of rapidly emerging
phenomenon of private ride sourcing services (including Uber and Careem) in Lahore. Both
physical and social characteristics were investigated. The social parameters include changing
travelling patterns with the rise of the app-based ride sourcing services, whereas the physical
parameters considered impacts of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Data was sourced
through structured questionnaires for both ride sourcing users as well as ride sourcing drivers.
Major findings indicate that 1) there is a significant shift in transportation patterns in Lahore due
to the ride sourcing phenomenon especially women, and that 2) the rise in cars with 1-2 passengers
on the road as part of this phenomenon is also contributing to the city’s worsening air pollution
crisis.
