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Ride-Sharing and Public Safety: An Analysis of UberX’s Effects on Crime in Brazil

Author

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  • Rafael Alfena Zago

    (Texas A&M International University, U.S.A)

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact of UberX’s expansion on crime and traffic safety in São Paulo, Brazil. Using quarterly data from 2012 to 2021 for all 645 municipalities in the state, I exploit variation in the timing of Uber’s entry and estimate dynamic treatment effects using a staggered difference-in-differences approach. The results reveal a mixed set of effects. UberX’s availability is associated with statistically significant reductions in traffic-related manslaughter, personal injuries, vehicle thefts and robberies, and rape. However, traffic-related homicides increased, and no significant effects were found for certain other crime categories. These effects become more pronounced three to four years after the service becomes available. This study contributes to the literature by providing new evidence on how the availability of technology-based transportation alternatives may influence crime and public safety across a broad range of outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Rafael Alfena Zago, 2026. "Ride-Sharing and Public Safety: An Analysis of UberX’s Effects on Crime in Brazil," Journal of Economic Development, The Economic Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, vol. 51(1), pages 163-192, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:ris:jecdev:022433
    DOI: 10.35866/caujed.2026.51.1.007
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • L91 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Transportation: General
    • R41 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Transportation: Demand, Supply, and Congestion; Travel Time; Safety and Accidents; Transportation Noise
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
    • O18 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Urban, Rural, Regional, and Transportation Analysis; Housing; Infrastructure
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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