Photo by Fabien Bazanegue..
On-demand mobility is reshaping transportation in the U.S., moving beyond convenience to become a cornerstone of mobility. Whether it's a ride-hailing service like Uber or Lyft, shared electric scooters and bikes, or microtransit, on-demand options are transforming how we get around. But do these services add to a more sustainable, accessible, and equitable transportation system?
We’ll explore the environmental impact of on-demand mobility, the progress in making these services more accessible to all, and how integration with public transit is paving the way for a smarter, greener future.
How sustainable is on-demand mobility?
Electrification is a key factor in realizing the environmental benefits of on-demand mobility. Companies like Uber and Lyft have committed to electrifying their fleets, with goals to go fully electric in key U.S. markets by 2030. Municipal services like San Francisco's GoSF and Washington D.C.'s Circulator are also adopting EVs, advancing their sustainability agendas with support from initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act, which bolsters EV charging infrastructure and offers tax incentives for EV purchases.
On-demand mobility also includes micro-mobility options like e-scooters and e-bikes, a cleaner alternative for short trips. These options are becoming increasingly popular—with a 20% surge in usage across North America since 2022 —highlighting the growing shift toward sustainable urban transportation.
The path to scaling this transition is not without obstacles, however. Charging infrastructure must expand rapidly to support the growing fleet of EVs, ensuring that these services stay efficient and continue reducing emissions. Even more importantly, the full environmental impact of on-demand mobility won’t be realized unless these services are seamlessly integrated with public transit systems. Scooters, bikes, and ride-hailing services alone can’t replace single-occupancy vehicles—they need to be part of a connected, multimodal transportation network. This means ensuring easy connections to buses, trains, and other transit options, turning individual trips into part of a larger, eco-friendly journey. Accessibility and equity must also be woven into this vision, ensuring that these solutions are not only effective but available to everyone.
Photo by Yomex Owo
Accessibility and equity for on-demand mobility
Access to reliable transit remains a significant hurdle for many, particularly in underserved or “transportation-poor” areas. For those in suburban, rural, or low-income communities, getting to work, healthcare, or other essential services can be impossible without a car. On-demand mobility programs can offer a lifeline, connecting people to public transit and helping make urban mobility more accessible. But here’s the key: making these services inclusive for all—regardless of income, location, or physical ability—isn’t just about fairness. It's also what makes these solutions sustainable.
By providing services that anyone can use, we get more people out of their gas-guzzling cars and into alternative modes of transport—one of the best ways to reduce emissions and traffic congestion. When on-demand mobility is accessible, it doesn’t just serve individuals—it helps create a transportation ecosystem that’s better for everyone.
Transportation deserts & connecting the first and last-mile
One of the biggest opportunities of on-demand mobility is its potential to tackle “transportation deserts.” These neighborhoods with limited or no public transit options often leave residents isolated from essential services; flexible ride-hail programs and microtransit are bridging that divide, especially in rural and suburban areas where low population density makes traditional bus systems financially unfeasible. In Wilson, North Carolina, the “RIDE” program replaced outdated bus routes with on-demand rides, opening up transportation options for the whole community. Similarly, Lone Tree, Colorado, introduced the Link On-Demand service, providing free rides within the city limits, and it’s been a huge success.
While ride-hailing options like Uber and Lyft are a step forward, research shows that these services often replace more sustainable forms of transportation, like public transit, biking, or walking. In fact, the researchers found that nearly half of Uber and Lyft rides in their study were trips that would have otherwise been taken by public transit or other greener options. They also found that most of these trips were essential, with nearly 6% of them unlikely to have occurred without ride-hailing services.
That’s why it’s crucial that on-demand services work hand-in-hand with public transit. Studies show that when transit agencies partner with ride-hail services to address first- and last-mile connectivity, everyone benefits. LA Metro’s Metro Micro and Dallas’ DART GoLink programs both use on-demand rides to help connect people to larger transit systems, making it easier for riders to get where they need to go without adding more cars to the road.
Accessibility and affordability
Many on-demand services remain out of reach for low-income riders, but there are efforts to make these options more affordable. In Illinois, Pace Bus has piloted a $2 subsidized on-demand service that links riders to fixed-route transit across six counties. With integrated tools for booking and payment, it aligns with Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) innovations, creating seamless, affordable, multi-modal travel options. These platforms simplify the user experience and build stronger connections between on-demand mobility and public transportation, fostering more inclusive systems.
Accessibility for people with disabilities is another critical challenge. While some on-demand services have made progress with wheelchair-accessible vehicles, there’s still much more to do to ensure everyone can access these options consistently. For on-demand mobility to be a truly equitable and sustainable solution, it must prioritize inclusivity—making transportation accessible for everyone, regardless of income or ability.
Photo by Amanda Marie
A vision for the future
The future of urban on-demand mobility is about more than just new technologies—it’s about rethinking cities to prioritize accessibility, efficiency, and sustainability. Cities from Los Angeles to Austin show us how integrating on-demand services with public transit can create smoother, greener, and more inclusive systems. The ultimate goal: make getting from A to B easy, efficient, and environmentally responsible.
Technology will play a key role in this transformation. With innovations like route planning algorithms, integrated payment systems, and even autonomous vehicles, there’s huge potential to optimize travel, reduce emissions, and improve the overall experience. But these advancements come with challenges—regulatory hurdles, infrastructure gaps, and the need to build public trust. Moreover, many companies are still figuring out how to balance sustainability goals with profitability. Idle vehicles, poor routing, or operational inefficiencies can actually increase emissions—undermining environmental progress. It’s not just about electrifying fleets; it’s about making operations smarter and more efficient to minimize waste and optimize service.
This vision requires action across the board. Policymakers need to focus on building the infrastructure and regulations that encourage sustainable, multimodal transportation options. At the same time, governments must ensure equitable access to these services, and invest in the infrastructure needed to make them work. Without these investments, we risk missing out on the full benefits of on-demand mobility.
If implemented in a piecemeal manner, the transition away from single-car use could face resistance. People may be reluctant to switch from driving, and policymakers may perceive it as a lack of demand. The key to success? Build systems that are inclusive, accessible, and efficient. Done right, people will embrace these changes—because when it works for everyone, it works.
