Parts of the Uber software can be replicated and provided as a open-source product. Uber consists of
- Location mapping
- Payment processing
- Pricing based on complex demand algorithms
What if an app had only the first two components? And the third was replaced with manual bidding by drivers?
Here’s how it would work:
- User tells the app they want a ride, just like in Uber
- The 15 closest available drivers are alerted and respond with a fare they will work for
- The quickest 5 offers appear in the app, and the user gets to see where they are, estimated times, and the rating of each driver
- The rest works just like Uber
Such an app would give all power to the drivers, who would operate the app as a collective. The overheads would be substantially less than the commission charged by Uber, meaning cheaper fares for riders and higher income for drivers.
Because Uber drivers famously aren’t employees, they would be able to use the co-op app at the same time as Uber, meaning it is low risk to try.
Note Libre Taxi seem to be partway there…