The Ride Pact
Escrow without a custodian. Two keys lock the fare, the rider proves the money exists without moving it, half releases at the map's midpoint and half at the door. Neither peer is ever exposed for more than half a ride.
zero custody
two-key lock
proof of funds
auto midpoint release
Open a pact
Opening costs nothing and moves nothing.
Why this feels safe to both sides
- Driver: sees a green "funds proven" light before turning a wheel, and is paid for the distance already driven the instant the map says 50%.
- Rider: pays nothing to be picked up, and still holds half the fare as leverage until the door opens at the destination.
- ZEM: never holds a cent. Money moves peer-to-peer on PayPal and the network only signs the terms.
- Grace: 120s free walk-away for either side. After that reputation — not money — is the collateral.
Signed terms
peer: guest.zem · guest
rail: PayPal → unlinked handle
digest: —
rider sig: —
driver sig: —
phase: draft
Swap this digest for a wallet signature and the pact becomes portable across any chain — the protocol above does not change.