NLCabs is a taxi booking app created by drivers in Amsterdam to help them earn more money by reducing the commission taken from each ride. Developed by Mostapha Ahidar and Ivo van Leeuwen, the app was launched as a response to frustrations with the high commission rates of major ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt. According to the Dutch media outlet NOS, NLCabs has around 3,000 registered drivers and has been downloaded more than 38,000 times. The founders argue that Uber and Bolt can take up to 50% of the fare, though Uber has denied this, stating its commission remains relatively stable. Currently, NLCabs takes a 3% cut of each ride but is considering raising this to 4 or 5% to cover operational costs, as reported by the Dutch website Bright. For passengers, NLCabs offers standard features like a fixed price shown before booking, integrated payment options, and real-time tracking of the driver’s location. However, even with lower commissions, ride prices aren’t necessarily cheaper for users. The app is currently focused on Amsterdam, although the founders hope to expand nationwide. The development of "vibe coding," where users describe their app idea to an AI that generates part of the code, may help streamline such projects. Platforms like Replit are making it easier for people to prototype apps, but challenges like maintaining the app, handling payments, and providing customer support remain. The trend of driver-led ride-hailing apps is not limited to the Netherlands. In Brussels, the URide app is operated by the drivers' cooperative UNIT. In France, the VTC cooperative Maze also offers an app, mainly for professional travel. However, in France, apps that connect passengers with professional drivers are classified as booking centers, which must register their activity, provide proof of insurance, and renew these documents annually. While creating an app is becoming more accessible, competing with established companies like Uber and Bolt is still a challenge. One of the biggest hurdles for new ride-hailing services is ensuring enough rides to keep thousands of drivers active. Word-of-mouth marketing may not be enough to reach the scale needed. As a result, these emerging platforms must find effective ways to attract both drivers and passengers in a highly competitive market.