A new rideshare competitor is preparing to hit the streets of New York City, and it’s aiming to shake up the industry with a bold promise: no surge pricing for riders and significantly more money for drivers.
BLOC, a platform developed by a team of Brooklyn-based entrepreneurs, is introducing a no-commission model designed to address long-standing complaints from both riders and drivers. According to CEO and co-founder Samuel Furman, the current rideshare system often leaves drivers with only a fraction of what passengers pay.
“A rider can pay $50 to go from Mill Basin to JFK airport, but the driver only receives $15 of that,” Furman explained. “The driver should receive that full $50.”
BLOC’s approach eliminates commission fees entirely. That means whatever a rider pays goes directly into the driver’s pocket - a model the company believes is more transparent and fair.
CMO and co-founder Daniel Perkelvald emphasized this key difference: “BLOC is a no-commission rideshare model; whatever the rider pays, the driver will keep 100% of.”
For riders, the company says the benefits go beyond fairness. BLOC advertises flat, predictable pricing with no surge charges, along with fares that are typically 20–25% lower than average rideshare costs.
Safety is also a central focus of the platform. The app includes features such as ride recording, emergency contact access and the ability to share trip status with friends and family in real time.
“You will absolutely have the option to record your rides, contact emergency services, and share your trip status with neighbors, friends, and family so they can make sure you get home safe,” Furman said.
BLOC is currently gearing up for its official launch, expected in late August or early September. Riders and drivers in New York can already sign up for the waitlist through the company’s website.
With its driver-first pay model and commitment to transparent pricing, BLOC is positioning itself as a disruptive force in the rideshare market - one that could appeal to both cost-conscious riders and drivers seeking fair compensation.