Opportunities and Potential Bias in New Transportation Data

There is a mountain of transportation data available from Uber, Lyft and other participants in the new technology of ride-sharing that can potentially offer valuable insight into the evolution of transport in the 21st century, but problems with the data also exist.

Uber and its competitors, for example, may release data that direct people toward auto travel rather than alternatives such as public and pedestrian transit. Another question is the reliability of the data released. What data are they  withholding that could tip the balance in some instances toward other transportation choices?

Going beyond the data issue, a reliance on vehicle traffic carries societal penalties  of congestion, pollution, land management issues and resource use. Regarding pollution, engines produce unburned hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides and carbon dioxide. Below 20 miles per hour emission pollutants are higher. Moreover, hydrocarbons react with sunlight to produce acid rain, and forest and crop damage.

In summary, while it’s true that some of the data released by new era transport companies is useful, the issue of bias is an obstacle that must be acknowledged. Solutions to congestion and pollution must focus on other forms of transportation including bicycle and pedestrian traffic.

Finally, a telling study from the University of California, Davis found that if Uber and other ride-sharing services were not available, people would utilize public transit, walking or biking. That’s an insight that should interest anyone with an unbiased view of the future of transportation.

Read more at Center For American Progress

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Latest

Bridging the Gap Between the Commercial and Residential Audio Communities
November 27, 2023

In this episode of “Pro AV Today,” host Ben Thomas sits down with Audra Kinsley of Sonos Professional to unpack a topic that’s causing (sound) waves in the audio industry: the fusion of commercial and residential audio systems. As we navigate through a landscape where consumer and professional audio worlds are increasingly intersecting, Sonos steps […]

Read More
Unleashing Educator Brilliance: Transformative Thought Leadership in Education
November 27, 2023

In an era where education stands at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, the potential value of thought leadership becomes the guiding star for progress. “Just Thinking” dives into this potential with host Kevin Dougherty and guest Evan Edwards, a Professional Learning Specialist at 806 Technologies who exemplifies the transformative impact of visionary guidance […]

Read More
strategic scheduling
Exploring Strategic Scheduling with Timely: A Key to Managing Educational Fiscal Challenges
November 27, 2023

Author: Michael Horn Educational institutions today are facing a financial precipice, with declining enrollments and funding cuts. Many schools are struggling to adapt to these fiscal pressures, highlighting the need for transformative solutions. This scenario raises an urgent need for innovative strategies like strategic scheduling to manage resources efficiently. What innovative approaches can districts […]

Read More