Advantages and Disadvantages of Ridesharing  



Ridesharing has become a significant part of a commuter’s life. Its arrival has given commuters an additional option, creating more competition and better services from other modes of transportation, especially taxis and buses.

The sudden rise of ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft has advantages and disadvantages to passengers. But it seems that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, seeing how ridesharing services continue to be more and more popular.

Advantages

The best thing about ridesharing services is the fact that they can easily be accessed through the commuter’s mobile phone. They can get a ride while they are still in their bathrooms and just wait for their drivers to arrive in front of their homes. That is surely more convenient than waiting for a bus at a bus station or hailing for a cab at the corner of the street.

Ridesharing also passes the burden of driving. Commuters can leave their homes without bringing their own vehicles, so they will feel more relaxed and have more energy when they get to their destination, because they didn’t have to drive and plow through busy streets. This can also be very advantageous to drunk individuals, as they will not be forced to drive or take public transport while under the influence.

Disadvantages

The accessibility of ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft also translates to more passengers willing to use their services. This is particularly problematic on certain conditions, like in after-concerts where a huge number of commuters will try to get a ride at once or in rainy premises where people are stuck and want to get a more convenient mode of transport. The competition associated with these conditions will make it harder to get a ride, or worse, increase the service fee.

The worst disadvantage of ridesharing is insurance. Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing companies do have insurance policies, but they can be tricky. Also, according to the website of the Mokaram Law Firm, many insurance companies will do everything they can to minimize the amount they are going to pay when an accident and injury has occurred.

Article Source: http://www.postadoptionfamily.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-ridesharing/
Image Source: https://media.angieslist.com/s3fs-public/styles/widescreen_large/public/lyft.jpg?itok=nYDJe70p

VOCABULARY WORDS:
1. Commuter (n.) ~ a person who travels some distance to work on a regular basis
2. Hail (v.) ~ signal (an approaching taxicab) to stop
3. Plow through (idiom) ~ to work through something with determination
4. Problematic (adj.) ~ constituting or presenting a problem or difficulty
5. Premises (n.) ~ a house or building, together with its land and outbuildings, occupied by a business or considered in an official context

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. What is ridesharing? Is it popular in Korea?
2. What are the advantages mentioned in the article? Add your own ideas.
3. What are the disadvantages mentioned in the article? Add your own ideas.
4. Would you prefer driving your own car or avail ridesharing service? Discuss the reason for your option.