In response to Uber and Lyft's threats to suspend services in Minneapolis, the world's first driver-owned rideshare platform, The Driver's Cooperative, is set to launch in the city within the next few weeks. With its successful establishment in New York City in 2021, the cooperative has already garnered over 12,000 drivers who have collectively completed more than 300,000 trips in both New York and Denver.

The expansion into the Minneapolis market comes after the City Council passed a new ordinance aimed at increasing driver pay, prompting Uber and Lyft to consider ending their services in the city by May 1. Taking advantage of this situation, The Driver's Cooperative plans to collaborate with the Minnesota Uber/Lyft Drivers Association in order to roll out their platform before the May deadline.

According to The Driver's Cooperative website, their members can expect to earn 8% to 10% more per trip compared to Uber and Lyft. Moreover, the co-op ensures that profits are distributed back to the drivers in the form of dividends, further prioritizing the livelihoods and well-being of its driver community.

To mark the imminent launch of their services in Minneapolis, the founders of The Driver's Cooperative, along with local drivers and riders, have announced a press conference scheduled for Friday afternoon. This gathering aims to shed light on the cooperative's unique model and its potential benefits for drivers and riders alike.

Meanwhile, the City Council is set to revisit the newly passed ordinance during its April 11 meeting, signaling a potential opportunity for a resolution that may impact the future operations of rideshare companies in the city. Additionally, both Republicans and Democrats in the state legislature are reportedly contemplating rideshare bills, which could impact the regulations surrounding the industry and the rights of drivers.

As the battle for fair wages and better working conditions within the rideshare industry intensifies, The Driver's Cooperative strives to offer an alternative approach that empowers drivers and puts their interests at the forefront. With its imminent arrival in Minneapolis, local drivers now have the option to embrace a driver-owned platform that promises higher earnings and a sense of ownership in their work.