Rental cars (36 percent) and taxis (24 percent) are the most commonly used forms of ground transportation for business trips, followed by chauffeured services (13 percent) and ride‑sharing companies (11 percent), according to a new study by the GBTA Foundation, the research arm of the Global Business Travel Association.
“Our research shows one in four (24 percent) travel buyers say their company does not allow their business travelers to use ride‑sharing companies, the highest restriction level among ground transportation options,” said Michael W. McCormick, executive director and COO of the GBTA. “At the same time, many companies have not yet adopted formal policies around ride‑sharing, which highlights the need for better education about both the benefits and the risks.”
The 2015 Ground Transportation Study, sponsored by Dav El/Boston Coach Chauffeured Transportation Network and Empire CLS Worldwide Chauffeured Services, also examined the key factors business travelers and travel buyers weigh when choosing ground transportation. Leading the list were traveler and vehicle safety, timely pick‑up availability, and convenient payment options. Three‑quarters of business travelers and roughly eight in ten travel buyers rated these factors as highly important.
Although traveler safety ranks highest, understanding of specific duty‑of‑care elements is uneven. Only about one‑third of business travelers report being at least somewhat familiar with aspects such as pre‑employment driver vetting, driver training requirements, and regulatory differences across ground transportation modes. Travel buyers generally have greater familiarity with most duty‑of‑care items, but fewer than one in four say they are very familiar with all aspects, signaling a clear need for targeted education to clarify distinctions between transportation options and the associated responsibilities.
Clear company policies, consistent risk assessments, and informed traveler guidance can help organizations balance cost, convenience, and safety when selecting ground transportation for business travel. As the ground transportation landscape evolves, travel managers and procurement teams should prioritize up‑to‑date standards and communication to ensure traveler safety while accommodating practical needs such as payment flexibility and reliable pickup windows.