Rideshares: Convenient, but are they safe?

Windsorites are turning to rideshare services for travelling, despite possible safety concerns.

 

The concept of ridesharing is a spin on carpooling which involves travelling to other cities with people who chip in for the ride. Classified websites such as Kijiji have separate search and post spaces for rideshares where Windsorites can find rides to desired destinations on the dates that suit them.

 

While Greyhound Canada and VIA Rail Canada both offer trips from Windsor to other cities, the prices for rideshares are considerably lower, making them more attractive.

 

Taron Matthews, a rideshare driver of three years, said he goes from Windsor to Toronto and back multiple times during the week.

 

“The reason people take rideshares is because it is cheaper,” said Matthews. “When people need to go to Toronto and they’re low on money, it’s a cheap option that will get them there.”

 

On Kijiji, a rideshare to Toronto can cost as little as $25 one-way. However, Greyhound and VIA Rail ticket prices vary, reaching up to $90 or more in some cases depending on date of booking.

 

Due to ridesharing being an unregulated crowdsourcing enterprise, safety remains a concern.

 

Rebekah Senko, a Windsorite who has taken a rideshare to Toronto in the past, said she took multiple safety measures before departing.

“I spoke to him on the phone to gauge what kind of person he was,” said Senko. “ I also took a picture of the licence plate and texted it to my mom.” Senko said she arrived at her destination safely and her experience was a good one.

 

Ontario Provincial Police Highway Safety Sgt. Kerry Schmidt said while the OPP doesn’t have an official position on ridesharing, people should do their due diligence on rideshare drivers to make sure they are safe.

 

“If there’s any way of verifying or validating people, if they can provide references or get confirmations as to who they are, that would help,” said Schmidt.  

He also warns of the dangers of posting personal information like addresses on classifieds.

 

“You’re making yourself vulnerable. People know where you live,” said Schmidt. “We don’t have a specific position on it, we don’t support it, we don’t criticize it, it is what it is.”

 

Matthews said the reason he posts rideshares is to help people.

 

“I respect my passengers and they respect me,” said Matthews. “There are all kinds of people in this world, and you’ll never know unless you meet them and at the end of the day it’s about providing a service that helps people.”