My mom is everything to me. She’s my chef, my doctor, and most importantly nowadays, my unpaid Uber driver. Uber has become so rapidly popular that it has become a household name, but we rarely stop to examine the phenomenon.
For millions of Americans, Uber isn’t a luxury; it’s a daily reality. In 2023, Uber carried over 9.4 billion passengers in the 70 countries it operates in, according to Statista, providing transportation to people who may not own cars or prefer not to drive.
The reliance on ride-hailing reflects broader trends in 2025. Fewer young people are getting driver’s licenses. University of Michigan News stated that only 60% of 18-year-olds have one today, down from 80% in 1982, citing the Department of Transportation. Many teens and young adults choose ridesharing over learning to drive, creating a cycle of dependence that keeps Uber and similar apps in constant demand.
The industry also has immediate benefits. Cost is another factor driving adoption. Owning a car comes with gas, maintenance, insurance, and parking. These are expenses that are increasingly burdensome in today’s economy. For many, paying for rides on demand is cheaper and more practical. The Davis Enterprise explained that ridesharing is a money-saving option for many.
Uber reports providing flexible employment opportunities for over seven million people worldwide, helping drivers earn an income without requiring traditional education or set schedules. For people working multiple jobs, freelancers, or caregivers, ridesharing jobs have become crucial to staying financially afloat. Moreover, Uber has also helped numerous people because it does not require extensive education. In an increasingly competitive job market, Uber offers an alternative where people who have not been able to attain higher education degrees still have a way to make money.
But the convenience comes with risks. Today, ride-hailing contributes significantly to pollution: Transport & Environment reported that rideshare trips produce about 69% more emissions than the trips they replace, and Uber alone emits over 31.6 million tonnes of CO₂ annually. The reason behind this is that, because of the convenience of Uber, more and more people resort to hailing one instead of other transportation options such as biking, public transit, or walking.
However, that’s not all. Safety concerns remain urgent as well. Emily Steel of the New York Times reported that in the U.S., sexual assault or misconduct is reported roughly every eight minutes on Uber trips, totaling over 400,000 incidents per year. Experts warn that not all dangers are easily mitigated, and recent high-profile cases underscore the risks of getting into a car with a stranger. Unfortunately, that’s not where the problem ends.
In one high-profile case reported by CBS News, Christina Spicuzza, an Uber driver and a mother of four, was murdered after accepting an Uber ride assignment with a man named Calvin Crew, who coerced her into a remote location. The driver’s intended use of the ride for financial convenience ended in tragedy, leaving her family devastated. The dashboard camera showed Spicuzza begging for her life. This murder took place in 2022, but Crew was only arrested in 2025. Cases like this underscore that, despite apps’ safety measures, risks remain immediate and real.
Uber has implemented safety measures in response, including annual background checks, in-app emergency tools, real-time ride tracking, and incident reporting for drivers. Uber proudly declared that between 2017 and 2022, reports of sexual assaults had fallen 44% and they aim to continue dropping that number. Sustainability initiatives, like promoting electric vehicles, aim to reduce emissions by 2040. Yet rider vigilance remains critical. Verifying drivers, sharing trip details, and staying alert are essential in today’s ridesharing landscape.
In 2025, ridesharing is more than just convenience; it’s shaping how Americans move, work, and spend money. The industry’s growth reflects today’s priorities: convenience, affordability, and flexibility, but also the urgent need for safety and sustainability.
