Can transportation network companies improve urban air quality? An analysis of 388 MSAs in the U.S.

Keywords: TNC, ridesourcingride-hailing, air quality, air pollution, environmental impacts
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

The environmental impact of transportation network companies (TNCs) has been under intense debate with conflicting claims. However, there are limited empirical studies that quantify TNCs’ environmental impacts. In this research, we examine the impact of TNCs on urban air quality in 388 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in the U.S. over the period from 2010 to 2018. Based on difference-in-differences and yearly regression models, we generate three major findings: (1) The entry of TNC has a positive impact on the overall urban air quality measured by AQI, and this positive impact takes more than 3 years to appear; (2) despite the positive impact on the overall air quality, TNC entry increases NO2 pollution in U.S. MSAs; and (3) TNC entry has a positive impact on the reduction of PM10 pollution but has no statistically significant impact on PM2.5 pollution. The findings provide useful insights into the management and design of shared mobility and urban transport system.