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 four 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.
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.