Nearly one-third of Canadians use ride-hailing at night as safety concerns rise
Shorter days are pushing Canadians toward ride-hailing. A Hopp and Angus Reid survey finds many cite safety and limited transit as reasons to choose rideshares after dark.
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By Torontoer Staff
Shorter daylight hours have changed how many Canadians travel after dark. A new survey from rideshare app Hopp and Angus Reid finds that increasing numbers of commuters prefer ride-hailing to walking or public transit at night, citing safety and reliability concerns.
The shift has been noticeable since daylight saving time ended. With sunsets now often before 5 p.m., respondents reported greater unease about moving around after dark, and many say ride-hailing apps are the safer option.
Who feels unsafe after dark
About 36 per cent of general commuters said they feel unsafe walking outside at night. That proportion rises to 50 per cent among women. The survey data points to a gendered gap in personal safety perceptions that is influencing travel choices.
Why riders are choosing rideshares
Respondents ranked ride-hailing as safer than other options: 45 per cent said it is safer than walking, 41 per cent said it is safer than transit, and 22 per cent preferred it over taxis. Reliability also plays a role. Half of riders said limited transit availability at night pushes them to rideshares.
Younger cohorts reported even higher reliance on rideshares after dark. Seventy-three per cent of Gen Z respondents and 55 per cent of Millennials said transit limitations drive them to use ride-hailing apps.
Nightlife, drinking and impaired driving
Ride-hailing is also used to reduce impaired driving. The survey found 29 per cent of Canadians admitted they had driven or considered driving under the influence. In response, 59 per cent of riders said they use ride-hailing to avoid driving while impaired, and 26 per cent said they have used apps to prevent someone else from driving after drinking.
Overall, 41 per cent of surveyed Canadians said ride-hailing services are the best option to get home safely after a night out, taking both transit limitations and responsible choices into account.
Hopp expands in Canada and invests in safety
Hopp entered the Greater Toronto Area earlier this year, positioning itself as an alternative to existing platforms. The company says it launched in the region with commitments to lower costs, greater driver autonomy, and enhanced safety for riders.
No one should feel unsafe getting home after dark. Evening transportation gaps are not just an inconvenience, they are a safety issue that affects how people live, work and connect in their communities, but our goal is to make sure Canadians can get home safely no matter the hour.
David Riggs, General Manager, Hopp
Hopp has announced a three-year global investment of more than $161.6 million to advance safety features on its platform. The company operates in over 50 countries and 600 cities, serving more than 200 million customers and working with over 4.5 million drivers.
Practical considerations for riders
- Check driver and vehicle details in the app before you get in.
- Share your trip status with a trusted contact when available.
- Wait indoors or in well-lit areas until your ride arrives.
- Consider payment and tipping options ahead of time to avoid delays.
Rideshare apps are not a complete substitute for improved public transit and safer streets, but for many commuters they provide a practical way to reduce exposure to risk after dark. Availability, cost and local regulation will continue to shape how people travel at night.
Those who want to try Hopp can download the app on Apple and Google Play, but users should compare services in their area and review safety features before relying on any single platform.
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