IDENTIFYING AND QUANTIFYING INFLUENCING FACTORS FOR USING RIDESHARING SERVICES TN DHAKA CITY

Abstract

Ridesharing service is a new transportation mode in Bangladesh. However, it has already become a popular traveling mode in Dhaka city of Bangladesh. Therefore, the use of some other transportation mode has been decreased. This sudden popularity creates the need to know the influencing factors of ridesharing service and the impact it is creating on other modes. For city planners, it is essential to understand this new mode and incorporate this new mode in the future policies and plans. To understand a new mode it is very important to know why the mode is becoming popular, what are the benefits this mode is providing, whether any specific group of people choosing this new mode etc. This study has attempted to identify the influencing factors of choosing ridesharing services in Dhaka city. To do that a Binary Logit Model has been developed and exploratory data analysis has been done. This study has found that if one wants to travel a longer distance in a short time, he/she prefers ridesharing service and willing to bear the extra money it costs. Car or Bike owners are less likely to use ridesharing service. Generally, young people use ridesharing service more frequently. Businessmen are more likely to use ridesharing service than any other occupation. In sum, young businesspersons while travelling comparatively longer distance are showing highest likelihood to use ridesharing service. This is leading to a conclusion that there is a group of people in Dhaka city who arc searching for a more comfortable and faster transportation mode and this group is ready to bear the extra cost. This is indicating a potential market for a more reliable and comfortable public bus service with fewer stoppages to meet their demand.