The Great Chicago Uber Census: Counting Riders with Relish (and a hint of Deep Dish Mystery)
Ah, Chicago. City of wind, stunning architecture, and a never-ending supply of questionable deep-dish toppings (looking at you, pineapple). But there's another essential ingredient that keeps this city moving: Uber drivers. They're the knights in shining (or perhaps dented) armor who whisk us away from drunken karaoke nights and deliver us from the clutches of sub-zero winters. But just how many of these unsung heroes cruise the Windy City streets? That, my friends, is a question that's trickier than replicating the perfect Chicago-style hot dog (ketchup, for the record, is a war crime).
Uber Keeps it Hush-Hush: The Numbers Game Gets Dicey
Unlike the amount of cheese piled onto a deep-dish, Uber keeps its driver data closely guarded. It's tighter than a Chicago Bears fan's grip on their hopes during the draft (bless their cotton socks). But fear not, intrepid data detectives! We can sift through the clues and get a sense of this ridesharing rodeo.
Flashback to 2018: A Ride-Sharing Renaissance
Cast your mind back to a simpler time (pre-pandemic), 2018. News articles hinted at a whopping 67,000 combined Uber and Lyft drivers roaming the streets. That's more mustached rideshare vehicles than you can shake a sausage at (and yes, Chicago, those do exist).
The Pandemic Puzzle: When the Rides Came to a Screeching Halt
Then came the Great Disruptor himself, COVID-19. Ridesharing, like many things, screeched to a halt. Some drivers took a well-deserved break, while others discovered the joys (or should we say, terrors?) of homeschooling. The number of rides available definitely dipped lower than a Cubs fan's spirits after a season-ending loss.
The Great Driver Rebound: Are We Back in Business?
Thankfully, things are (mostly) on the upswing. As the city inches back to normalcy, whispers suggest driver numbers are on the rise again. Here's the best answer I can give you: there are enough drivers to get you a ride most of the time. You probably won't be left stranded like a forgotten cheese curd at the bottom of the bag.
But is it enough? That's a question only time (and perhaps a surge in deep-dish cravings) will tell. In the meantime, buckle up, tip generously, and maybe lay off the pineapple.
