User’s Perception of Application-Based-Ride-Sharing-Services in Dhaka City: A Study on Uber

22nd November 2016, a historic date on the horizon of the transportation system of Bangladesh. ‘Uber’ Bangladesh has launched its operation in Dhaka, the capital city. Uber is a growing - application-based ride-sharing service and popular transportation media, known worldwide as of late. Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet, people living in these three big cities have been availing of this innovative ride-sharing service. This study attempts to interpret the context of consumer behavior of this service i.e., why people do prefer Uber services over other existing public transport and post evaluation of that service offered by Uber. A short-range questionnaire survey has been undertaken. Secondary sources of data were also collected for literature. For this study, 100 respondents were surveyed following the purposive sampling method in different areas of Dhaka city. The equal Male-Female ratio of data size has been maintained. Data were analyzed using the SPSS-16 version maintaining the standard of research ethics and validity. The perception of users has been found positive towards this ride-sharing service. 77% of respondents said they are happy availing service from Uber and 23% of them are unhappy with the Uber service. Data concludes that the sense of being unhappy derived from some service problems like high costing for short distances, accidents, and lack of commitment of Uber drivers. To attain the goal of ‘Sustainable Cities and Communities’ of SDG-11 further includes the target of ‘providing access to the affordable and sustainable transport system for all by 2030’, this sort of innovation in the transportation sector is sure of blessing for this ‘Mega City’ like Dhaka as well as for Bangladesh. It will help step forward on the ladder of Development for the country.