The number of taxis on New York's streets could be reduced by around 85% by optimising ride-hailing services, offering enormous potential for impacts on "pollution, energy consumption, congestion", according to a study by researchers at Cornell University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The teams used a mathematical model to determine the maximum number of cars required to meet demand, with waiting times and travel delays included in the study. "The results are quite surprising," said lead author Dr David Schleicher from Cornell.
The number of taxis on New York's streets could be reduced by around 85% by optimising ride-hailing services, offering enormous potential for impacts on "pollution, energy consumption, congestion", according to a study by researchers at Cornell University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The teams used a mathematical model to determine the maximum number of cars required to meet demand, with waiting times and travel delays included in the study. The researchers concluded 2,000 cars with a 10-person capacity would be sufficient to meet 98% of ride demand - the equivalent of 15% of New York's current taxi fleet.