Understanding the Impact of TNC Pricing Strategies on the Prospect of Transit Agency-TNC Partnerships

PI: Qing Shen (UW), qs@uw.edu, ORCID: 0000-0002-0968-7377

Co PIs: none

AMOUNT & MATCH: $40,000 from PacTrans; $40,000 Match

PERFORMANCE PERIOD: 3/16/2022 – 3/15/2023

STATUS: Completed

CATEGORIES: Transportation Networking Companies, TNC, Ride Hailing, Transit, PPP, Public Private Partnership

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DESCRIPTION: This project aims to investigate the impact of Transportation Network Company (TNC) pricing strategies on the fares of ride-sourcing services and gain an understanding of the implications for transit agencies. Using Access paratransit service operated by King County Metro as a case study, the research team will focus on evaluating the effects of incorporating ride-sourcing into multimodal public transportation services under different TNC pricing scenarios, which can inform decision-making by transit agencies interested in pursuing such partnerships.

By answering the following three key questions, this research is a timely effort to inform transit agencies in planning for partnership with TNCs:

  1. What factors contribute to TNC price changes? Consequently, what are the likely changes in TNC pricing strategies and service fares in the coming years?
  2. How will TNC price increases in short term (surge pricing during peak times, key events, or crises) and long term (anticipated increases in average service fares) affect the prospect of building partnerships between transit agencies and TNCs?
  3. What are the alternative conditions under which public transit agency-TNC partnerships can efficiently supplement existing transit service supply, such as ADA paratransit, while ensuring transportation equity and service quality?
DELIVERABLE DUE DATE DATE RECEIVED
Research Project Progress Report #1 10/10/2022 10/10/2022
Research Project Progress Report #2 4/10/2023 4/11/2023
No Cost Extension Request 4/15/2023 N/A
Draft Report 4/15/2023 4/19/2023
Final Project Report 6/15/2023 5/18/2023