I love this. It indirectly calls out that uber has relatively easy to clone tech. A co-op network is a great idea and a white label or open source uber application is probably a great idea.
After investors decide it's a sure way to lose money, it may happen.
It might be a nitpick, but if a $10 ride already feels cheap and the driver only gets $7, then to some extent the driver is part of the chain of people subsidising the ride.
That's almost certainly true in many cases. I don't know if it's some drivers or most drivers, but it's almost certainly fair to say that many drivers underestimate the cost they're incurring by driving for Uber/Lyft. (Or they understand the costs but don't feel they have a choice because they need the cash in hand today and they'll deal with getting new tires next year.)