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More people relying on ride-sharing full-time

Posted at 9:42 PM, Jan 20, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-20 22:43:54-05

During the height of winter weather, more people are leaving their keys at home and relying on a different way to get around.

A growing group of people are relying on Uber’s ride-sharing services all the time.

Blake Miller, 31, is part of that group. "I started realizing I'm paying nearly $1,000 a month to own a vehicle that sits idle way more than the average of 23 hours a day that most people's cars sit idle,” he said.

Getting rid of his car started as an experiment. Now, he believes owning a vehicle is a waste for him. “I set out to give myself a $400 a month Uber budget, and I realized I never [reach] it."

A report released Tuesday shows a sharp decline in the number of people between the ages of 20 and 24 who possess a driver’s license.

Miller said it’s a sign of the changing times and ride-sharing is changing the way people get around.

Uber driver James New said he’s seen a spike in business, but not just from millennials who ditched their cars.

"I have seen people that will take more rides in the winter,” New explained.

He said more rides, of all ages, are requesting his services, so they don’t have to be the ones behind the wheel when winter weather hits.

"People have said, 'You know, it's too cold. I'm glad you're here I really don't want to drive,'” he said.

"I think not only taking the liability off, but even myself, I notice I use it more when the weather is bad,” Miller added. “I don't walk as much, obviously."

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Lexi Sutter can be reached at alexandra.sutter@kshb.com.

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