This Ride-Hailing App Alternative Is Owned By The Drivers

Drivers say they’re being pushed into poverty by rideshare giants like Uber and Lyft that made false promises about wages while loading them with expenses. Now they’re starting a rideshare alternative that’s owned by the drivers, not Silicon Valley investors.

Next City senior economics correspondent Oscar Perry Abello first reported about The Drivers Cooperative in March, before its “Co-op Ride” app had launched. Now the app is live and already serving thousands of customers, primarily those who rely on Co-Op Ride for scheduled rides.

In this episode of the podcast, Next City executive director Lucas Grindley talks with Abello and with one of the founders, Ken Lewis. He says that when shareholders are replaced by the drivers themselves, he hopes the profession can become a pathway to the American dream.

“It used to be something to push into middle-class,” said Lewis of the drivers profession. “Right now, it has been pushing drivers into poverty.”

Listen to this episode below, or subscribe to Next City’s podcast on Apple and Spotify.

A Letter From Our Executive Director

Imagine a world where every voice is heard and where every community thrives. This world isn’t just a dream; it’s a possibility, a reality that you, as an integral part of Next City’s network of city-builders, help to create.

But, let’s face it—the journey isn’t easy. You know too well the adversaries we face together: entrenched bureaucracies, outdated systems, and societal structures designed to divide and diminish. These challenges are real, and they can sometimes make you feel isolated in your pursuit of a better world. Yet, you persist, fueled by the belief that change is not just possible but is happening right now.

That’s where Next City steps in. We are your ally. Our stories aren’t just stories—they are affirmations that change is underway. Our articles, webinars, podcast episodes and ebooks provide you with inspiration, but also with the insights and information necessary to fuel change that brings about more equitable and inclusive communities.

And now, more than ever, we need your support. The status quo ought no longer be acceptable. Next City has continuously published for 20 years, and for even longer, our leaders have said we must be impatient for change. Today, in everything from our politics to our climate, I believe we are at a pivotal moment when action in cities cannot be desired but required.

As a Next City reader, you are already taking responsibility. You recognize that the systems you are part of matter, and you are committed to making a difference. There are 45,000 of you subscribed to Next City’s newsletters, 175,000 following us on social media, and over 1 million people visit nextcity.org each year. Each has a different capacity to give, but every donation, no matter the size, makes a significant impact.

By donating to Next City, you are not only supporting our mission but also breaking down barriers and challenging norms. Your contribution is a powerful tool that enables our journalists to continue unearthing and sharing the stories that catalyze change and remind us all of what’s possible when we come together.

So, we invite you to take this step with us. Use the button below to make a contribution to Next City today, and be part of a collective effort to build a just, inclusive and sustainable future for all. Your donation today is more than just a gift—it’s a commitment to a future we all believe in.

With gratitude,
Lucas Grindley
Executive Director, Next City

Donate

Like what you’re reading? Get a browser notification whenever we post a new story. You’re signed-up for browser notifications of new stories. No longer want to be notified? Unsubscribe.