Originally published on LinkedIn September 10, 2024
During the Allen Premium Outlets shooting, the Assistant Chief of Operations made a quick decision to use ride-share services like Uber and Lyft, along with personal networks of family and friends, to evacuate people quickly.
“We literally started walking through the crowd telling everyone to call family or call an Uber.” Greg Grimes, Asst. Chief
Speed and Flexibility in Evacuations
The deployment of ride-share services can help facilitate evacuations, relieving pressure on emergency responders. The flexibility and scalability of these platforms allows them to be used in emergencies where immediate action is needed. In Allen, for instance, ride-shares and personal pickups were critical for quick reunifications as a storm threatened the area. By setting up a priority traffic flow and pickup zones, the evacuation was expedited, avoiding the logistical delays of bus transport.
Learning from Las Vegas and Paris
Ride-share services have proven essential in other emergencies. During the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, Uber and Lyft played a critical role in transporting survivors, reducing strain on emergency services. Many survivors used ride-share for transport to the hospital.
Similarly, in the 2015 Paris terrorist attacks, Uber capped fares and provided free rides to hospitals, dispelling initial rumors of surge pricing. Whether we plan for it or not, ride-shares can offer fast, adaptable transportation in times of crisis, and it is best to understand how they fit within the management of an incident.
Leveraging Technology for Crisis Response
Ride-share platforms like Uber and Lyft have real-time data that could provide a more coordinated and efficient evacuation. During emergencies, ride-shares can use geofencing and real-time traffic tracking to direct drivers to safe zones, helping avoid congestion. During the active attack incident in Las Vegas, ride-share services guided drivers away from dangerous areas while offering quick transportation options. There is the potential that incident commanders could coordinate with ride-share companies to share arrival and departure information to drivers. In Allen, we used police resources to intercept drivers and direct them through the proper route.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the potential advantages of ride-shares during emergencies, several challenges need to be considered:
1. Driver Safety: Ride-share drivers, unlike emergency personnel, aren’t trained to respond to crisis situations. Ensuring their safety is important. In events like the Allen shooting or Las Vegas incident, drivers needed instructions on where to pick up passengers safely and how to avoid dangerous zones. Keeping drivers informed and out of high-risk areas requires coordination with the police to ensure drivers don’t inadvertently enter a hazard area or crime scene.
2. Surge Pricing and Policy Flexibility: The Paris attacks highlighted the importance of price control during emergencies. Initially, there were rumors of surge pricing, which caused public backlash. However, Uber had already capped prices and offered free rides to hospitals, showcasing the need for ride-share companies to have transparent, pre-established policies for crisis situations. When left unchecked, surge pricing can deter evacuees or lead to confusion, which can complicate the evacuation process.
3. Traffic Congestion and Management: Large-scale evacuations often lead to traffic bottlenecks, and adding ride-share vehicles to the mix can worsen the situation if not properly managed. Designated pickup zones and a priority traffic flow mitigated this issue in Allen. Without clear coordination, the increased volume of vehicles—both ride-shares and personal cars—can overwhelm roadways, hampering evacuation efforts and slowing down the response of emergency services.
4. Coordination Between Ride-Share Platforms and Emergency Services: To fully integrate ride-shares into an emergency response, there must be coordination between ride-share companies and incident commanders. This includes having direct lines of communication, sharing real-time data, and ensuring ride-share drivers know the safest routes.
The decision to use ride-shares wasn’t just a logistical choice, it was about finding the fastest way to help people get to safety. The ability to move quickly, using tools already at hand, highlighted the importance of flexibility in emergency response. It’s clear that ride-shares, with proper planning and coordination, can play a key role in future crises, making it essential for emergency teams to incorporate them into their playbook.