More King’s Students Hail the Use of Ride-Sharing Apps

Ubers and Lyfts spotted on the Brooklyn Bridge at night. || Photo credit to Hannah Mallard

Ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Lyft have seen increased use among King’s students who say they find it to be a safer and more convenient option than the subway on weekends and late at night.

Weekends have seen an increased use of such apps, according to interviews with students, part of a trend that mirrors users across the country.

Data from the Pew Research Center indicates that 36% of adults in America have used an app-based car service – nearly double from 2015 when only 15% had ever done so. In addition, the study found that 51% of Americans between the ages of 18 to 29 use ride-hailing apps.

“Recently, I have used Uber at least three times a week,” said Ireland Schultz, a freshman.

The Colorado native underwent foot surgery over winter break, so she said climbing up and down the steps to the subway has been harder than usual.  

Overall, female students at King’s are more likely to use these apps depending on the time of the day.  

“Late at night, it’s better for girls to take an Uber. My friends and I have had more than a few uncomfortable experiences with strangers on the subway,” said freshman Greta Hanten.

Uber is the most-popular ride-sharing app in the world. With over 41 million users in the United States alone, according to the company, Uber was founded in 2009 and has seen increased growth every year.

For many students like Valeria Martinez, a transfer student who lives off campus, the app has become an integral part of her life. She said she often studies with her friends in Brooklyn at night and uses it to get home safely.

The inside of an Uber. || Photo credit to Hannah Mallard

“I use them [ride hailing-apps] a few times on the weekends if I am out late or if I go to Brooklyn and have to get back to the Upper West Side alone,” she said.

Male students, however, said they prefer MetroCards over expensive cars.

“I just take the subway. I don’t have any reason to use them [ride hailing-apps],” said sophomore Josh Verrier.

Many King’s students agreed Uber was the best ride-hailing app, but there are reasons to choose other ones, too.

Verrier, who admitted to calling a Lyft over ten times this past weekend in Boston, said: “Right now, I have 50% off on Lyft so I used that, but most times I use Uber.”