When selecting a ride-hailing service, American consumers weigh a combination of practical and experiential factors that reflect the everyday demands of urban and suburban mobility. Cost efficiency, physical safety, and driver conduct all play distinct roles in shaping rider decisions, highlighting how the ride-hailing industry must balance competitive pricing with service quality to retain and attract users. Providers that address both the functional and personal dimensions of the ride experience are better positioned to build lasting customer loyalty in an increasingly competitive market.