Disappearance of rideshare services could impact student safety

While the SafeRide program is temporarily suspended, it has helped escort students safely to their desired location. Photo by Chapman University

As many American businesses and industries shut down in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, such as the cruise industry, rideshare companies are struggling to stay afloat amidst social distancing concerns. Since the national lockdown’s start in March, popular transportation applications Uber and Lyft experienced a sharp drop in customers as credit card companies reported an 83% drop on spending by consumers, according to the New York Times.

Uber and Lyft are now resisting new legislation passed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom pressuring them to change the manner in which they operate. The new law states the companies must classify their drivers as employees, instead of independent contractors, if the company has control over their employees. That in turn forces Uber and Lyft to provide certain guaranteed employee benefits such as minimum wage, overtime pay and workers’ compensation.

As a result, the rideshare services are threatening to temporarily shut down operations in California. The boycotting tactic of Uber and Lyft in California may change the lives of many of its citizens, including students at Chapman University. Ridesharing is a relatively new phenomenon around campus, but a crucial part of student life.

“35 years earlier, many students chose designated drivers,” said Dean of Students Jerry Price. “As Uber and Lyft came in, the need for that declined.”

In addition to Uber and Lyft, Chapman has its own rideshare service, SafeRide. According to Chief of Public Safety Randy Burba, the SafeRide program was designed to provide reliable and trustworthy transportation to help students in unsafe situations. 

“Many times, a student is studying late at the library and needs help getting back home,” Burba said. “So they call SafeRide.”

Currently, the SafeRide program is no longer running due to COVID-19 and the return of online classes, but Public Safety will answer calls and help students in unsafe situations until SafeRide and on-campus classes resume. 

While Uber and Lyft gave students a safe alternative to driving under the influence, ridesharing in general is a good option for students, like sophomore film production major Liz Uys, who live off campus without a personal vehicle.

“I definitely used Uber and Lyft at night because it was unsafe to skateboard,” Uys said. “I usually used it to get groceries and do other important things.”

Many students like Uys live off campus in residential housing, without the financial means to maintain a car in Orange County. While a car can cost upwards of $30,000 including maintenance, a simple Uber ride to the store can cost as low as $8.

With the possibility of the disappearance of other rideshare services and the lack of access to SafeRide, students have little to no options of transportation in dangerous situations. In these times, Uys may have to turn to her roommates and friends for help in getting from place to place. However, other students without guaranteed assistance will likely be forced to find other means of transit.