Driver-Owned Rideshare App Makes a Comeback in Colorado With Airport Trips and Higher Pay

If you’re a rideshare driver in Colorado, there’s some promising news rolling your way. After a brief pause due to technical issues, Drivers Cooperative Colorado—a driver-owned rideshare platform—has officially relaunched. And yes, trips to Denver International Airport (DIA) are finally part of the deal.

Originally launched last September, this local cooperative was built from the ground up by drivers who wanted more control, better pay, and a fairer experience for both themselves and their riders. Unlike the usual app giants, this co-op allows drivers to keep 80% of every fare—and there’s no surge pricing.

“For the business, to try to get a better, fair pay,” said longtime rideshare driver Heriberto Alvarez, who joined the co-op early on.

For Alvarez, this isn’t just about driving—it’s about making a living in an industry where drivers often feel shortchanged. “I’m relying on this because I’m old and it’s not easy to find a job in the market,” he added.

When the app first launched, it started with just five drivers. But word spread fast. Before long, more than 5,000 drivers and nearly 20,000 riders across Colorado were onboard. The only hiccup? Some pesky bugs forced the app offline in April.

One of the biggest complaints? Riders couldn’t change their destination mid-ride. But according to General Manager Isaac Chinyoka, that’s now fixed. “They could not change the destination,” he said. “But right now they can do that. Then the most important aspect, we now feature which people wanted, both riders and drivers, is to go to Denver International Airport.”

Along with DIA trips, the updated app now includes more vehicle options—like larger rides and those equipped for passengers with mobility needs.

The cooperative isn’t trying to take over the rideshare world overnight, but it is trying to offer something a bit more human: affordable, accessible, and driver-focused service.

“We really want to provide reliable, affordable transport to the Denver community and the Colorado community, and this is another opportunity for us to do that,” Chinyoka said.

And for those wondering about safety? Every driver must pass a background check, and dashcams are required in all vehicles.

If you’re a driver in the Denver area tired of the usual ride-hailing grind, this local co-op might just be worth a look.

Image Source: West Word
Source: CBS News