[nateparrott]

Creating a driver-owned replacement for Uber's service could certainly work to give drivers a better deal, but unionizing existing drivers is a better means to that end. Uber certainly adds value—they've got a good app, and it's great that I can land in a new city and know the same service will work the same way.

[rch]

If the drivers had an effective app, then they could provide an api for Uber, Lyft, or whatever brand to route rides into. The rate paid to the driver, possibly combined with convenience and other qualitative factors, would naturally determine placement. There would still be value in building a brand that customers recognize, but the overall system might be more sustainable.