In a time where inflation is forcing everyday Americans to stretch every dollar, one would hope that essential services, like transportation, would become more affordable, not more expensive. But corporations like Uber and Lyft—companies that dominate the rideshare industry—have exploited this economic struggle to their advantage. Their practices are not only financially oppressive but disproportionately impact minority communities, the very backbone of their workforce and customer base. The time for change is now, and that change comes in the form of Empower.

The Uber and Lyft Exploitation Machine

Let’s cut to the chase: Uber and Lyft are built on financial opacity, corporate greed, and predatory business practices. The numbers don’t lie. Uber drivers, for example, make only around 50% of the total fare charged to the rider. In some cases, drivers earn even less as these companies siphon off a significant portion of the fare. It’s a slap in the face to the very people who make ridesharing possible.

Even worse, drivers—many from minority or economically vulnerable communities—aren’t even told how much riders are being charged. This lack of transparency keeps drivers in the dark, making it impossible for them to demand fair pay or negotiate better conditions. For the driver from Southeast D.C. trying to make ends meet or the single parent in Prince George’s County hustling for extra income, this is more than unfair—it’s exploitation.

These corporations continually raise fares under the guise of inflation and increased costs, but the truth is, the drivers don’t see these profits. Instead, riders are left with exorbitant fees while drivers walk away with pennies. A recent report showed that Uber’s average commission is now over 35% of the total fare, with some drivers even claiming they take home less than $10 an hour after expenses.

The Ugly Side of Safety: The Lyft and Uber Cover-up

While D.C. officials claim that Empower presents a safety risk, let’s take a hard look at Uber and Lyft’s track record. According to a 2019 safety report, Uber alone had over 3,000 reported sexual assaults in the U.S. in just one year. In fact, during 2017-2018, nine murders occurred in connection with Uber rides. Lyft, similarly, has faced thousands of allegations ranging from sexual assault to stalking and harassment. In 2021, a woman in Washington, D.C., filed a lawsuit against Lyft after being attacked by her driver.

Yet, despite these horrifying statistics, Uber and Lyft continue to operate within the District of Columbia. Their drivers often bypass adequate background checks, and in some cases, even convicted felons have been allowed to drive for these platforms. So, while the D.C. Council might be targeting Empower under the guise of safety, it’s clear that Uber and Lyft’s own track records are far more concerning.

The Monopolistic Grip on D.C.

But here’s the real kicker: Why hasn’t Empower gained the traction it deserves? The answer is simple—Uber and Lyft spend millions lobbying local governments, including the D.C. Council, to maintain their monopolistic stranglehold on the market. In 2019 alone, Uber spent $1.85 million and Lyft $700,000 lobbying lawmakers across the country. In D.C., their influence is undeniable. Despite numerous safety and labor concerns, these companies have managed to push regulations that stifle competition while protecting their own flawed business models.

Empower, on the other hand, doesn’t have millions to pour into lobbying efforts. What it does have, however, is a community of drivers and riders who are fed up with the status quo. These are the people who testified in droves at D.C. hearings, only to be dismissed or ignored by officials more interested in maintaining corporate relationships than ensuring fairness for their constituents.

Unequal Treatment Under D.C. Laws

Even more frustrating is the glaring disparity in how regulations are applied across industries in D.C. For example, food delivery drivers for companies like DoorDash and Uber Eats are not required to have food handler’s licenses or vehicle inspections, despite dealing directly with the transportation of food — a significant public health issue. If food safety regulations are this lax, it’s hard to understand why Empower is being held to such a stringent regulatory standard. Empower is simply facilitating a peer-to-peer agreement between riders and drivers, yet it faces the brunt of outdated and unequal laws.

Given Empower's deep ties to the community, the D.C. Council should be amending these laws to allow companies like Empower to operate within the city. Residents rely on these rides, and drivers rely on this source of income. Instead of shutting down a service that directly benefits the people of D.C., the Council should be working to create more equitable regulatory frameworks that apply equally across all sectors, whether it's ridesharing or food delivery.

Empower: A Rideshare Revolution

Empower offers a radically different vision. In a world where corporate ridesharing giants prioritize profits over people, Empower brings transparency and fairness to the table. Riders pay directly to drivers without a large chunk being taken by a middleman. Empower doesn’t hide behind opaque pricing structures or stealthy algorithmic surcharges. This allows for a fair, peer-to-peer relationship where both parties benefit equally. The driver gets paid what they deserve, and the rider doesn’t have to worry about inflated, unpredictable fares.

Empower also directly addresses the economic realities that plague minority and low-income communities. As the app allows drivers to set their own rates and keep 100% of the fare, it serves as an economic lifeline for those who rely on gig work to make ends meet. For a community that has historically been marginalized and underpaid, Empower provides the freedom to earn a decent wage without being shortchanged by corporate greed.

A Call for Change

D.C.’s economically vulnerable communities can no longer afford to be at the mercy of exploitative corporations like Uber and Lyft. Empower represents the kind of rideshare company we desperately need—one that prioritizes fairness, transparency, and community well-being over corporate greed.

It’s time for the D.C. government to wake up and support alternatives like Empower that empower drivers to earn a living wage and allow riders to affordably get where they need to go. As inflation soars and wages stagnate, we cannot allow monopolistic giants to further exacerbate the financial struggles of our city’s most vulnerable populations. It’s time for us to support a system that works for the people—not against them.

Written by: Darwin D. (DC Native)