Evaluating the potential of cooperative ridesourcing: A case study of Arcade City in Austin, Texas

Abstract: “This report explores the benefits, challenges, and implications of decentralized platform cooperatives as more equitable and sustainable alternatives to established commercial ‘sharing economy’ platforms. The authors examine the case of Arcade City in Austin, Texas, a decentralized peer-to-peer (P2P) ridesourcing platform (similar to Uber or Lyft) that consists of a 36,000-member Facebook group that links riders with drivers. The study uses empirical findings from Arcade City Austin’s operations to inform best practices for P2P platforms. Based on these findings, the researchers make recommendations for cooperative sharing platforms and policymakers.”