A driver-owned rideshare service now available in Colorado

DENVER — There is a new rideshare option available for riders in Colorado. The new rideshare app, Driver’s Co-Op, is a driver-owned company and is only available in Colorado. 

The app had a soft launch on August 29. According to the company, the goal is to help drivers when it comes to pay and working conditions, while still providing cheap fares for riders. 

“The other companies usually take between 60-70 percent of the fare, so you’re the one that takes the risk, work hard and get the least money,” said driver Abdullahi Samatar. 

Samatar has worked with Lyft for 8 years and Uber for two and half years, with Driver’s Co-Op he has noticed a significant difference. 

“The longest drive that I did with Uber and Lyft was 3 hours driving one way and was only paid $120 while it’s estimated the customer paid $500-600,” said Samatar, “You have to drive back for another 3 hours, which means you spent 6 hours for only $120 and gas took like $90.”

The app is similar to other rideshares. Riders are able to request a ride, see the price and drivers can accept the requests right on their phones. 

Drivers have to go through a background check and must comply with strict safety regulations, which includes adding dashcams in each car. 

According to the company, every driver is a part owner. The co-op will retain 20% of the driver’s fare for administration, which means drivers will get to keep the remaining 80%, which many driver have said is significantly more than Uber and Lyft. 

“You might get a trip about $15 to go to the airport from downtown and if you take away all the expenses it usually pays about 7 dollars and if you go back without a ride than its even less,” said director of operations, Isaac Chinyoka. 

The app is available on Apple and Google Play. If you’re interested in becoming a driver, click here.