I tried the new ride-hailing app in NYC designed to take driver power back from Uber and Lyft, and although it's still working out some kinks, I was happy to help drivers get more money
The Drivers Cooperative
Allana Akhtar/Insider
I tried the new driver-owned ride-hailing app available in New York City.
Unlike ride-share companies like Uber and Lyft, The Drivers Cooperative is owned and controlled by drivers.
Though I initially had trouble finding a driver, I was glad my money was helping drivers earn more.
I tried The Drivers Cooperative, a new ride-share app available in New York City. Unlike Uber, Lyft, and other ride-hailing companies, drivers own and have control over The Drivers Cooperative.
The Drivers Cooperative
The Drivers Cooperative
The Drivers Cooperative launched in opposition to high commissions Uber and Lyft take from drivers, according to the app's website. The company hopes to provide drivers with higher wages in the short-term and a "just, green transition of the industry" in the long-term.
Rideshare drivers demonstrate against rideshare companies Uber and Lyft during a car caravan protest on August 6, 2020 in Los Angeles. - The drivers, organized by the Mobile Workers Alliance and Rideshare Drivers United unions, say Uber and Lyft's are pushing a "deceptive" November ballot initiative, which, if passed, they claim would "rewrite labor law" and turn app-based drivers into independent contractors, exempting companies such as Lyft and Uber from standard wage and hour restrictions.
To sign up, I downloaded the app and plugged in personal information like my name and phone number. The process to sign up was easy and I was ready to start ordering cars within a few minutes.
The Drivers Cooperative
Allana Akhtar/Insider
I first tried to find a driver to pick me up in Queens.
The Drivers Cooperative
Allana Akhtar/Insider
Before I ordered the car, The Drivers Cooperative had a breakdown of the fees and where exactly my money went. I noticed the price was slightly more expensive than what I'd pay for a similar trip on Uber and Lyft, but still pretty comparable.
The Drivers Cooperative
Allana Akhtar/Insider
Unfortunately there weren't enough cars in the area, so it took about 10 minutes to find a driver. And when the app had selected a driver, the car ended up going the wrong way and I had to cancel.
The Drivers Cooperative
Allana Akhtar/Insider
But The Drivers Cooperative acknowledged that the company was just starting and there might be "bumps in the road" as it acquires more users. I decided to try again in Manhattan, where I figured there'd be more cars.
The Drivers Cooperative
Allana Akhtar/Insider
Getting a car in Manhattan took about a minute or two. The driver arrived within five minutes.
The Drivers Cooperative
Allana Akhtar/Insider
My driver, Tarsem Singh, said he was not part of the group of drivers who founded the app - but enjoys The Drivers Cooperative more than Uber and Lyft.
Tarsem Singh, employee for The Drivers Cooperative
Allana Akhtar/Insider
Singh said Uber and Lyft do not listen to drivers. When he drove for Uber, he said a teenage passenger complained about him going too slow. In reality, Singh said he went the speed limit and the passenger wanted him to go faster.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi.
Riccardo Savi/Getty Images
Uber suspended his account after the passenger complained about him. Singh said he tried to appeal his suspension but failed.
The Drivers Cooperative
Allana Akhtar/Insider
Singh said he's been happy with the passengers using The Drivers Cooperative. He said he urges New Yorkers to use this app because it "gives drivers much more money."
Tarsem Singh, employee for The Drivers Cooperative
Courtesy of Tarsem Singh
Despite some hurdles I faced in ordering a car, I'd encourage more people to use the app. The cost is similar enough to Uber and Lyft, and I feel better knowing my money is helping keep Singh and other drivers happily employed.
Tarsem Singh, a driver for The Drivers Cooperative, in New York City
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