Environmental Assessment of Ride Sourcing Services in Lahore

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.