No one rides for free: risk, reward, and uncertainty in ridesharing

Ridesharing can increase access for under-resourced travelers without requiring substantial investment in formal services like public transit. Yet few studies address the challenges of informality in private ridesharing and, in particular, how travelers overcome risk in negotiating travel with strangers. To address this gap, I draw on data from surveys and interviews conducted from 2022 to 2023 with posters on the California Craigslist rideshare boards. First, I find that a minority of posters found rideshare partners. Few people requesting rides—many of whom had limited resources—reported making successful connections with other ridesharers. Meanwhile, many former or current ridehail drivers posted on Craigslist and regularly connected with passengers. To overcome concerns about sharing space with strangers, some Craigslist posters relied on heuristics like gender and communication styles. Some ride-seekers—especially female ones—expressed apprehension about violence or expectations of sexual favors. Additionally, different factors influenced views of ridesharing, including the desire to make or save money, previous experience ridesharing, and perceptions of physical vulnerability. Informal ridesharers face real and persistent barriers. Public policies could encourage vehicle-sharing, including for intercity travel, by lowering the transaction costs of sharing with strangers, raising the cost of driving alone, or subsidizing other intercity services.