Uber announced a new website on Sunday that will share their data with the public. Called “Movement”, the new tool will allow for researchers, scientists and government agencies the ability to discover patterns and analyze Uber’s traffic data.
Uber explains that the company decided to share the data with the public in order to get feedback from the cities they partner with. In addition, the company plans to use this feedback to further invest in their ride-sharing app to make their service “more efficient”.
The company explains that they hope Movement will help cities become better “in a way that works for every”.
Despite opening up their data, Uber promises to keep driver and rider’s information private. All their information will be confidential and inaccessible to Movement users.
Uber also explained that the company is interested in working with research universities, experts and professionals. “We’re always interested in discussing research opportunities and soliciting feedback,” the company explained on their new website.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – APRIL 10, 2015: Trains and passengers in a Metro Station. Opened in 1976, the Washington Metro is now the second-busiest rapid transit system in the U.S. (Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com)
Last year, DC Metrorail system was suspended for emergency inspections, which led to “surges” in traffic. Ultimately, approximately 700,000 riders were forced to find a new way home.
On their website, Uber shared three case studies including how Washington DC metrorail service disruption affected traffic in the city. In turn, Muriel Bowser, Mayor of Washington DC explained that the tool helped improve infrastructure, which in turn made the city’s “streets safer for every visitor and resident in the nation’s capital.”
This news comes after MIT researchers discovered that 98% of New York City taxis could be replaced with ride-sharing apps. In fact, scientists estimate that only 3,000 four passenger cars could be swapped for nearly all of the taxis in NYC.
This new Movement data could also help expand Uber’s UberEats program, which recently partnered with McDonald’s to provide delivery service in Miami, Orlando and Tampa.