Platform-based food delivery couriers in Paris before and during the coronavirus pandemic

Keywords: platform-based delivery, couriers, working conditions, mobility, transport, Paris, France
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Monday
Session Start / End Time: 2/28/2022 02:00 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/28/2022 03:20 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 41

Abstract

New forms of urban deliveries emerge from both the rise of the smartphone and the gig economy. In particular, platform-based fast delivery is rapidly developing in many cities across the world, especially in the food sector. Depending on the country, these new services either accelerate existing consumption patterns or, on the contrary, try to conquer a new market, as is for instance the case in France. Based on two questionnaire surveys conducted in 2020 and 2021 in Paris, this article analyses the characteristics, motivations and activity patterns of couriers and the impacts of the pandemics. The results are threefold. Firstly, we show that platform-based delivery is primarily a way to enter the labor market for young people of foreign origin and with few qualifications, but who do not necessarily wish to pursue a career in the delivery sector. Secondly, our results highlight that platform-based delivery work is particularly intense, and requires long-hours of operation to get sufficient income. Moreover, couriers take risks and sometimes become illegal in order to work and increase their income, especially by using motorized two-wheelers that are not authorized by French law. Thirdly, our study underlines that the pandemic prompted many students to become platform-based delivery couriers to compensate for the lack of jobs, and also greatly deteriorated the working conditions of most couriers due to reduced activity. The conclusion discusses some urban policy implications and proposes new avenues for research.