Rental cars are the most commonly used methods of ground transportation for business trips (36%), followed by taxis (24%), chauffeured transportation (13%), ride-sharing companies (11%), airport shuttle (11%), public transit (3%) and colleague or friend (2%), according to a Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Foundation study entitled “The 2015 Ground Transportation Study.”

“Our research shows one in four (24%) travel buyers say their company does not allow their business travelers to use ride-sharing companies, by far the highest percentage for any form of ground transportation,” said Michael W. McCormick, GBTA’s executive director and chief operating officer. “In addition, a large number of companies still have not adopted policies around ride-sharing companies, revealing a need for education about the benefits and the risks. GBTA hopes this study is the start to closing that knowledge gap and we welcome an open and constructive dialogue on this topic.”

The study also identified the most important factors business travelers and travel buyers consider when choosing ground transportation. The top factors included traveler and vehicle safety, availability for a timely pick-up and convenience of payment methods.

Safety of travelers is important, but only about one-third of business travelers are somewhat familiar with aspects of duty of care such as pre-employment driver certification, driver training requirements and regulations affecting each ground transportation method, according to the study.

“Undoubtedly, there is significant market controversy around ride sharing, and we felt it was important to have impartial research to create awareness in the industry,” said David Seelinger, chairman and CEO, EmpireCLS Worldwide Chauffeured Services.

The study was sponsored by Dav El/Boston Coach Chauffeured Transportation Network and Empire CLS Worldwide Chauffeured Services.