Empower Launches Metrobus Ads and Grassroots Campaign in Support of Thousands of Drivers Who Want to Work for Themselves Instead of for Uber
Washington, D.C. – Uber disruptor Empower announced today that it has launched an aggressive pro-driver ad campaign in Washington, D.C., that is running on 20 Metrobuses, with plans to expand the campaign in the Fall. The ad’s message is simple and to the point: “Support Drivers. Delete Uber. Download Empower.”
The company has made waves in the DMV, where drivers using its services now provide 70,000 rides per week, or around 10 percent of all rideshare rides in the D.C. area. Empower’s CEO Joshua Sear said, “this ad campaign is designed to increase support for hard-working drivers who choose to work for themselves, instead of for Uber.”
Sear added, “Drivers want to work for themselves, not for Uber. They want to be their own boss with their own customers. That’s why over 15,000 in D.C. have used Empower’s software and services to provide 6,000,000 rides to 250,000 D.C. area residents.”
With Empower’s software, drivers set their own rates and get 100% of the fare. As a result, drivers are able to earn more while charging riders less than what Uber charges for the same ride.
The ad campaign is also intended to draw attention to recent legislation presented to D.C. elected officials that would make clear that licensed, registered drivers, who wish to work for themselves and determine their own worth, like all other service professionals in the District, have the right to do so.
Sear shared, “D.C. recently determined that the District’s rideshare regulations, which were largely drafted by Uber, unsurprisingly failed to create a pathway for individuals who want to drive for themselves. The Equal Opportunity and Empowerment Act of 2024 (“EOEA”) ensures that drivers, just like electricians, plumbers, barbers, accountants, lawyers, doctors, physical therapists, personal trainers, and all other service professionals, have the right to work for themselves and determine how much they want to charge for their services. The Act also better protects the District’s riders, as drivers who wish to drive for themselves would have to register directly with the District. Currently, the District has pretty much outsourced all responsibility for safety to Uber, which has been an unmitigated disaster.”
In just the past two weeks, over 1,000 D.C. area riders have contacted their elected officials to express their support for drivers and the EOEA. Empower anticipates that thousands more will do so over the coming weeks and is making preparations to support their efforts.
Empower CEO Joshua Sear is available for recorded or live interviews by contacting PR@rideempower.com
About Empower
Empower is disrupting companies like Uber with an innovative model: drivers set their own rates, keep 100% of the fare and pay the company a subscription fee. With Empower, drivers are neither employees nor contractors; they’re customers. Under this model, drivers are making thousands of dollars more per month than they do working for Uber, which only pays them about 50-60% of what riders pay the company.
Because drivers get 100% of the fare, they are able to charge riders 15-20% less, on average, than Uber charges and still make considerably more money. As a result, riders who book rides through Empower save money too. Riders can also request a same-gender or favorite driver, which many riders indicate provides them with a greater sense of safety.
To learn more about Empower visit www.driveempower.com
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