  Before the pandemic ride-pooling was a promising emerging mode in urban
mobility. It started reaching the critical mass with a growing number of
service providers and the increasing number of travellers (needed to ensure
ride-pooling efficiency and sustainability). However, the COVID pandemic was
disruptive for ride-pooling. Many services were cancelled, several operators
needed to change their business models and travellers started avoiding those
services. In the postpandemic period, we need to understand what is the future
of ride-pooling: whether the ride-pooling system can recover and remain a
relevant part of future mobility. Here we provide an overview of the
postpandemic ride-pooling market based on the analysis of three components: a)
literature review, b) empirical pooling availability survey and c) travellers'
behaviour studies.
  We conclude that the core elements of the ride-pooling business model were
not affected by the pandemic. It remains a promising option for all the parties
involved, with a great potential to become attractive for travellers, drivers,
TNC platforms and policymakers. The travel behaviour changes due to the
pandemic seem not to be long-lasting, our virus awareness is no anymore the key
concern and our willingness to share and reduce fares seem to be high again.
Yet, whether ride-pooling will get another chance to grow remains open. The
number of launches of ride-pooling start-ups is unprecedented, yet the
financial perspectives are unclear.
