A cooperative of Belgian taxi drivers has launched a new ride-sharing app in Brussels, which they are presenting as a Belgian alternative to Uber and Bolt.
The Uride app, which allows users to book taxi rides in Brussels, aims to "empower drivers through cooperative governance".
The project website describes the company Unit as a "cooperative of Belgian drivers” and Uride as its technological tool.
According to its promoters, around 200 drivers are already registered on the platform, 90 of whom have joined the Unit cooperative. Cooperative drivers pay only 10% in platform fees, compared to 15% for non-members.
“This is far from the 25 to 35% that drivers have to pay to platforms,” said Jean-Paul Ngomba Mbenti, the company's founder. "The stated objective is to empower drivers, who are also invited to sit on the cooperative’s board of directors.
Users are also encouraged to become members to support a local initiative and participate in decision-making. According to the project’s proponents, cooperative customers will benefit from rides that are 10% cheaper than other platforms.
Uride is supported by Crédal, an ethical finance cooperative that also offers support and advice to project leaders and social economy actors. According to Crédal, if the platform manages to capture 10% of the market, the business model could be viable.
Regarding pricing, Uride intends to apply the regulations which are in force in Brussels. The Brussels Region adopted a new ordinance in 2022 regulating taxi services and booking intermediaries.
The platform is launching in Brussels, with the ambition of subsequently expanding to the rest of the country. The project also highlights the possibility for cooperative members to receive dividends and benefit from tax shelters.
