Lawmakers and leaders from the DFL (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) party in Minnesota, came up with new regulations for the rideshare across the state. However, for Uber and Lyft, these regulations were not appreciated by these big rideshare companies following which they said they might stop offering their services in Minnesota if these new rules become law.
The new plan, which is set to be talked about in a House meeting, suggests paying drivers $1.27 for every mile driven and 49 cents for every minute they’re driving.
This is a bit less than what drivers in Minneapolis currently get, which is $1.40 per mile and 51 cents per minute. Though it’s still higher than what the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry thinks is fair.
They say drivers should get $0.89 per mile and 49 cents per minute to make at least $15.57 an hour, which is Minneapolis’s minimum wage.
“This is a big change from what Minneapolis wanted,” said Jamie Long, who’s a big part of the plan. He thinks it’s a fair rate that Uber and Lyft use in other places.
Uber and Lyft aren’t happy with this plan. They say it would make it too expensive for most people to use their services and that drivers would end up making even less money.
“If these rules pass, rides will be too expensive for most people in Minnesota, not just in Minneapolis, and drivers won’t make much,” a Lyft spokesperson said, worried about what could happen.
Uber said something similar, adding, “It’s too bad that some lawmakers are letting Minneapolis decide what happens for millions of people outside the city.”
Still Jamie Long is staying hopeful as he thinks maybe Uber and Lyft are just threatening to leave and that they might change their minds. He’s been talking to them about the new plan and hopes they’ll keep talking to find a solution.
“If this law passes, Minneapolis would change their rules to match what the state decides,” Long said, showing that there’s still a chance to make changes that work for everyone.
Now, the decision is up to the lawmakers. If Uber and Lyft leave, it could change how people get around in Minnesota, affecting thousands of drivers and passengers.
We’ll have to wait and see if they can find a compromise or if Minnesota will have to do without these popular rideshare options.
