Expanding Uber-style services gaining momentum in Portugal
In a survey conducted by the Center for Applied Studies at the Católica Lisbon School of Business & Economics, in partnership with technology company Bolt, it was found that a significant number of Portuguese adults are utilising TVDE services as a means of transportation.
The survey, which involved 606 participants, was aimed at understanding Portuguese people's perceptions of transportation safety. The focus was on individual and paid passenger transportation platforms in unmarked vehicles using an electronic platform (TVDE).
According to the findings, 33% of Portuguese people use TVDE services regularly, and 48% of respondents stated that they chose TVDE over other mobility options because it made them feel safer. The survey also revealed that more than half of respondents (51%) have used an app to ensure someone else got home safely, instead of letting them drive.
One of the key motivations for using TVDE includes convenience (58%), accessibility (31%), and not owning a car (25%). Interestingly, the survey showed that higher participation in using TVDE is observed among women (58%) and those with higher levels of education.
Safety is a significant concern for TVDE users, with 81% of Portuguese people considering TVDE services an important tool for road safety. This sentiment is supported by the fact that 27% of respondents used TVDE to avoid driving after drinking alcohol, and nine out of 10 users feel safe using TVDE after a night out.
Additionally, 32% of Portuguese people use apps to ensure someone else's safety, with 18% frequently doing so. This indicates a growing awareness among the population about the importance of road safety and the role that technology can play in enhancing it.
While there is no available information about a separate survey conducted by Católica and Bolt regarding Portuguese people's perceptions of Uber taxis and their role in road safety, this latest study underscores the increasing reliance on TVDE services in Portugal.
- The findings of the survey suggest that the finance sector may see increased earnings from TVDE services, as more Portuguese people are regularly using them.
- The integration of technology in transportation industries like TVDE indicates a shift in the financial landscape of the transportation industry in Portugal.
