Commuters, shoppers embrace Melbourne ridesharing

Melbourne Airport is the busiest route for rideshare drivers and train stations and shopping centres are now some of the most popular destinations as ridesharing grows in popularity.

Analysis from DiDi has revealed train stations and shopping centres are popular rideshare destinations in Melbourne.

Railway stations and shopping centres have become some of the most popular destinations for ridesharing as commuters turn to new ways to plug the gaps in Melbourne’s transport network.

Analysis from ridesharing giant DiDi has revealed the top 10 drop-off locations for passengers since the company arrived in the city a year ago.

Melbourne Airport was the busiest route for drivers, closely followed by hubs at Chadstone shopping centre, Monash University’s Caulfield campus and Box Hill station.

DiDi Australia general manager Lyn Ma said a year’s worth of passenger data had yielded some surprising results.

“What we’re seeing is that in many cases where people may have previously driven or taken the bus to a train station as part of a longer journey or to a suburban shopping centre, they are opting to use rideshare services as a comfortable and affordable alternative method of transport,” he said.

“Ridesharing and DiDi have a clear role to play in helping cities reduce congestion and offering more efficient transport for Melburnians.

Analysis from DiDi has revealed train stations and shopping centres are popular rideshare destinations in Melbourne.

“As Melbourne grows, ridesharing will continue to play an essential role in helping people get around and navigate an exciting and quickly changing city.”

Suburban railway stations at Caulfield, Clayton, Springvale and Glen Waverley were among the company’s most popular locations over the past year as passengers used ridesharing to connect to the public transport network.

Late-night DiDi customers named Revolver Upstairs as the destination of choice for night clubs and bars ahead of busy venues Ms Collins and Hotel Esplanade.

Mr Ma said there was potential for ridesharing companies to work with the public transport system and provide easier journeys for commuters.

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“The dedicated pick-up and drop-off zone for DiDi and other rideshares at Melbourne Airport is a good example of this,” he said.

“During our first year in Melbourne we have worked with a number of events, festival organisers and members of the community to provide ride discounts to riders attending events and incentives for drivers to be in the area, ensuring an available and affordable transport option.”

DiDi will offer discount fares for passengers throughout June to celebrate the one-year anniversary of its arrival in the city.

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Originally published as Commuters, shoppers embrace Melbourne ridesharing