Post date: Sep 21, 2015 3:23:27 AM
When we were brainstorming ideas that could potentially decrease wake production, taxi sharing came up as one of the more viable options. Taxi sharing is a craze that hit the United States a few years ago and is now widely used around the world. Most taxi sharing services involve a smartphone app that enables people to order taxis and after boarding them, most people will be joined by strangers for a short time who are heading towards the same area. Recent studies done by MIT and Cornell University among other institutions have conducted studies on taxi sharing in New York City. Their studies have shown that over 90% of rides could have been shared and if they were, then the total travel time of the driver would have been reduced by 40%. Although these results seem idealistic, overall they show that taxi sharing is more efficient than not. The increased use of taxi sharing in Venice would have a direct effect on wake production, since there will be a decreased amount of travel and thus a decreased production of wakes. Taxi sharing is also more efficient for fuel consumption, which would be beneficial for taxi companies since most boats in the city operate on diesel. Overall, taxi sharing would be beneficial for all people in Venice, although it may have to be tailored to fit Venice's unique transportation system.
Annabella