When North American consumers choose a ride-hailing service, their decisions are driven by a combination of economic and practical considerations rather than perks or brand loyalty. Cost-consciousness plays a central role in how riders evaluate their options, alongside expectations around personal safety and how quickly a driver can arrive. App performance and driver conduct also factor into the decision, though they carry less weight than core service fundamentals. Understanding which attributes matter most gives ride-hailing platforms a clearer path to retaining riders and competing effectively in a crowded market.