The automotive industry is currently in a state of disruption. Last year Uber and Lyft halted their service in Austin, Texas. Recently, Uber launched the service in the southern section of Illinois.

Each market reacts differently to technology.

After a rocky start in Austin, Uber and Lyft both decided to pull their product from one of the biggest markets in the United States.

Last month, Uber started allowing drivers in Carbondale, Illinois to use their ride-sharing application to help people on foot.

Each of these markets are different and similar in several ways.

When browsing for an available driver in Southern Illinois, I saw two drivers working early Saturday morning. The cost is close to ten dollars for a 2-3 mile drive.

On one hand having Uber in Southern Illinois is vital for those without a vehicle or intoxicated. But as Austin has shown, Uber is not the only transportation service on the block. In contrast to Carbondale, Uber is actually one of the only transportation services on the block. There is a cab company, but the reviews on their service show poor results.

Smaller markets like Carbondale, Illinois experience less traffic, and fewer drivers. This could help with higher demand for fewer drivers, but also would cost more for longer trips outside of the Carbondale area.

Connect with the Uber main website for a for $15 dollar first ride.

In contrast to a major corporation, Ride Austin is a non-for-profit that works in a similar fashion, but also allows users to contribute to their favorite non profits. Watch over the videos below to get a deeper understanding between the two services.