The impact of ride-hailing and shared bikes on public transit: Moderating effect of the legitimacy

Using panel data drawn from 273 cities in China, this study examines how the emergence of ride-hailing and shared bikes impact public transportation and how the legitimation of ride-hailing influences its relationship with public transportation. The results show that, first, the emergence of ride-hailing reduces bus ridership but increases rail transit ridership. Second, the introduction of shared bikes reduces bus passenger volume but increases rail transit passenger volume. Finally, the legitimation of ride-hailing positively moderates its influence on rail transit but negatively moderates its influence on buses. These results provide a theoretical basis for improving the management of ride-hailing platforms, especially in regions where ride-hailing is not yet legitimate.