[gxon]

Depends on whether you want the non shared experience or not. Shared rides in a dense area are probably more efficient.

Our new post-pandemic reality might make shared rides less desirable. Or more desirable as a marginally safer alternative to public transit.

[keenmaster]

There is a long tail of routes where single occupancy is not just more desirable, but also more efficient. Think of all the time and energy wasted idling and searching for the second or third car pooler. Self-driving cars also drive more efficiently, negating some of the benefits of carpooling. Another factor in cities is that tiny cars are more pedestrian friendly. Cities can and should tax vehicle size as a negative externality.

A single ride hailer should be sent a sedan when they are on a more conventional route with easy pickup and drop off points. That would make more sense from both a unit cost and quality perspective than pooling every time. Augmented reality could also highlight and fill open seats quickly, including when that second carpooler can’t be found.