Transportation Network Companies and Taxis ― The Case of Seattle

Transportation Network Companies and Taxis: The Case of Seattle is a modern economic case history and thorough analysis of the devastating impact of the transportation network company (TNC) industry (Uber and Lyft) on the taxicab industry in Seattle, Washington beginning in 2014. The events that transpired and lessons learned are applicable to most large cities in North America, Europe and Australia.

As the regulator of the taxicab and TNC industries in Seattle during a period of growth for TNCs in North America, the author offers a unique insider perspective. The book also provides internal operating statistics on the TNC industry which are here available for the first time. Despite the spectacular growth of the TNC industry, growth rates have steadily declined and may reach zero by 2019 or 2020, while the taxicab industry has begun a recovery. This book offers a thorough explanation of how and why this has happened. It explains the taxicab industry, economic deregulation, competitive market failure, market disruption, price elasticity of demand and other concepts. There is also a wealth of data, computations, and analysis for the specialized reader.

Considering the past, present and future of the taxicab and TNC industries in Seattle, this book is recommended reading for both the general reader and professionals in the industry.