Zero Commission LLC officially launched its public beta service in New York City today, bringing its much-publicized zero-commission model to one of the world’s largest ride-hailing markets.
The company will operate under the brand name “Throo” in New York City after the regulator Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) required it to use a different name instead of TADA.
“We are unable to use the TADA name for our New York service and will be launching in NYC under a new name. Our answer is ‘Throo.’ While the name is new, our promise is exactly the same: zero commission, meaning more income in your pocket,” the company said in an email notification sent to drivers.
Company sources said more than 43,000 drivers have signed up for the platform ahead of the launch.
Speaking to TLC Drivers’ Voice earlier, Md. Moinul Hossain, a longtime app-based driver, welcomed the company’s entry into the market, saying increased competition could help create a more level playing field for drivers.
“The commercial for-hire vehicle market has become heavily dominated by a single transportation network company,” Hossain said. “Drivers work extremely hard, yet a significant portion of their earnings goes to platform commissions. Greater competition could ultimately benefit both drivers and passengers.”
Hossain added that the arrival of a new competitor may encourage existing platforms to introduce more attractive incentives and benefits for drivers and riders.
“This could be a major relief for both drivers and passengers,” he said. In a recent Facebook post, Kay Woo, founder of Zero Commission LLC, urged drivers to unite behind the company’s mission.
“We need to deliver a collective voice to the market here in New York to change the ride-sharing industry,” Woo wrote. “If we fail to do so, we may end up returning to a system where drivers continue to be extracted from over and over again.”
“Let’s unite and deliver our core message to the City of New York,” he added.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the launch, some labor advocates remain cautious.
A prominent labor activist, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the company’s long-term commitment to drivers remains to be seen.
“We will need to observe how the company operates and how it treats its drivers moving forward,” the advocate said.
“At this stage, there has been limited communication regarding a significant portion of its potential passenger base, and we continue to monitor these developments closely.”
Founded in Singapore in 2018, Zero Commission LLC has emerged as a growing player in the global ride-hailing industry, completing more than 150 million trips worldwide.
The company currently operates in several Asian markets, including Singapore, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Hong Kong, and has positioned itself as a zero-commission alternative to traditional ride-hailing platforms.
According to the company, its official full-scale launch in New York City is scheduled for June 29.