With the introduction of companies like
Uber and Lyft, the dynamics of transportation have changed forever.
These ride or cab services have also expanded the terminology people
use to describe them, which leads to a little confusion.
You’ve probably heard of these
services referred to as ride-sharing, but have you heard the term
ride-hailing? People often get the two confused since they sound so
similar. However, both terms have completely different meanings.
Ride-Hailing
Hailing a ride means the same thing as hiring a personal driver. In most cases, a rider would either hail a taxi from the side of the road or use a ride service like Uber. The driver then takes the rider to their destination without any stops in-between.
Ride-hailing can include stops if the
rider wishes. It isn’t uncommon for a taxi driver to wait outside
and keep the meter running while their rider stops at a location, for
instance. Uber and Lyft recently
updated their features to allow for multiple stops as well.
Ride-Sharing
The true definition of ride-sharing is
simply sharing a ride with other passengers. Carpooling is the most
common example. With multiple passengers, each rider can bring the
cost of a trip down by splitting the bill. It’s also an excellent
way to reduce your carbon footprint.
Both a taxi and services like Uber can
be used for ride-sharing. All it takes is more than one passenger,
like when two people share a taxi simply because they’re going to
the same place. Most ride-share services, which Uber and Lyft
advertise themselves as, focus on taking multiple passengers to their
destination as fast as possible so their drivers can maximize their
wages.
What’s the Difference?
The primary difference is the number of
passengers, but ride-hailing deviates slightly more than that. When
hailing, the purpose of the ride is maximum convenience for the
rider. Ordering a limo, for instance, would be the top level of
convenience in ride-hailing.
The route is often the fastest since
there is only one passenger, too. Ride-sharing may take a longer
route to accommodate multiple passengers who all have different
destinations. For most people, however, sharing offers the same
convenience as hailing unless they prefer more privacy.
Different Meanings, Same Danger
For the most part, using hailing or
sharing services is a safe and smart way to travel. There are,
unfortunately, times when these vehicles find themselves in
accidents. In more severe wrecks, riders often end up with injuries.
It’s vital that these passengers hire
an attorney that handles rideshare accidents. There’s more to
navigating the law when a company like Uber, Lyft, or a taxi service
is involved, making the need for a skilled attorney versed in sharing
and hailing accidents a necessity.
Whether it was your driver’s fault or
not, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. The
process may be more in-depth, but you are still a victim in the eyes
of the law. Never let someone else get away with negligence.
