X @ride_empower | The ride-sharing app Empower, which operates in a more driver-friendly fashion, is under investigation by the D.C. Council for unauthorized operations and public safety concerns.
The Washington, D.C. Council’s Committee on Public Works and Operations, the committee responsible for government services, voted unanimously Sept. 25 to investigate Empower, a cheaper ride-hailing alternative to Uber and Lyft, for unauthorized operations.
The committee, chaired by Councilmember Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1), expressed concerns with Empower regarding its millions of dollars in outstanding fines, failure to register with the D.C. Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV) and rider’s harassment allegations. According to its website, Empower is 20% less expensive than Uber or Lyft, yet failure to register with DFHW means Empower is not allowed to operate in the District.
Nadeau said there are risks of riding or driving with Empower.
“We already have heard cases where people have been hurt in Empower vehicles and they have no recourse,” Nadeau said in a press release. “If a driver doesn’t have insurance and can’t afford to pay the medical bills, the rider is just out of luck. As a Councilmember, I do not find that acceptable.”
The concerns for Empower’s business practices come amid D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb’s ongoing lawsuit against Empower, which would require the app to guarantee insurance coverage and background checks for drivers after a woman reported she was sexually assaulted by a driver in July.
The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and the Committee on Public Works and Operations will coordinate to calculate Empower’s unpaid taxes, penalties and other fees. They will also investigate reports of impaired driving, stalking, harassment and lack of vehicle insurance that have gone unreported due to Empower’s unauthorized status.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Empower claimed the OAG is lying.
“The DC Court of Appeals overturned the DFHV’s Cease & Desist order because it found that there was literally ZERO evidence of public harm resulting from Empower’s operations,” Empower wrote in the post. “AS YOU KNOW, the Court also noted that every driver that has ever used Empower has been subject to a background check.”
“@DCAttorneyGen AG BRIAN SCHWALB, YOU ARE LYING TO THE PUBLIC. @MayorBowser,” Empower continued.
Empower uses a different business model in which drivers pay a monthly subscription to use Empower’s software, which allows them to set their own rates and keep all of the money they make from rides. Empower also allows for riders to favorite specific drivers and request same-gender drivers.
Eli Blumenfeld (CAS ’25) said he has had many positive experiences with Empower and that it seems drivers are also satisfied with the software.
“I remember one time when it was raining, and I was trying to get back from DCA, the Ubers and Lyfts were at least $50,” Blumenfeld told The Hoya. “Off of a whim, I checked Empower and, bam, it was about 15 bucks.”
“I took it in a heartbeat,” Blumenfeld added.
Cecilio Sandoval (CAS ’26) said that despite Empower’s legal issues, he would still be willing to use it during peak hours where rides may be price-gouged.
“I would continue to use it only because Uber and Lyft are just so expensive,” Sandoval told The Hoya. “Usually, the only time I’ll use it is once I’m leaving the airport, because comparing a $20 Empower ride to a $50 Uber, it’s better for me financially.”
“Majority of the time, I’ve had drivers who are really nice, who ask about my day or help me with my luggage. I also like the option to save them for later or thumbs up them,” Sandoval added.
Blumenfeld said he also believes drivers have had positive experiences using Empower.
“I feel for the drivers,” Blumenfeld said. “I think Empower’s business model is unique and is particularly advantageous to drivers who work often, as they make the entire amount of the ride cost.”
Still, Sandoval said he has safety concerns about Empower.
“The main reason I stopped using Empower so much is because sometimes my friends wouldn’t feel safe,” Sandoval said. “Some of my girl friends have said that they would only use Empower if one of their guy friends was there, so it made me more cautious of the app.”
“I’m spending less money, but it’s like, at what cost?” Sandoval added.