Uber urges Portland riders to take stance against proposed fee hikes

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The leading rideshare app is urging Portland customers to take a stance against potential fee hikes on the local and state levels.

For some Uber users, a notification that read “Say No to Higher Fares: The Portland City Council wants to increase your taxes on rideshare by 200%” popped up on their phones on Wednesday.

The app is responding to city leaders’ proposal to increase the current 65-cent fee on rides booked through Uber, Lyft and similar rideshare platforms. KOIN 6 previously reported that Portland Mayor Keith Wilson has suggested an updated fee of $1.30 per ride, while District 4 Councilor Mitch Green has suggested $2.

“This proposal would disproportionately affect those who rely on Uber for essential travel to work, school, and critical appointments, especially hitting low-income riders the hardest,” Uber wrote. “At a time when Portlanders are already facing rising living costs, this additional tax burden, intended to balance the City’s budget, could make everyday trips unaffordable for many.”

According to proponents of the fee hikes, the additional revenue could help close Portland’s $93 million budget deficit while also funding services like road repairs and street cleaning.

But the rideshare company also highlighted potential changes at the state level.

Senate Bill 1166 would give drivers a minimum wage of $0.39 for each minute they are active on the app, $1.34 for each mile they drive and $6 per dispatched trip. The bill would also establish minimum paid sick time requirements and prevent companies from deactivating accounts without just cause, among other changes.

While Drivers Union Oregon has said the legislation could help struggling workers in the industry, Uber has suggested it would increase the cost of rides by 40%.

The company has directed users to send state lawmakers an email, asking them to “keep rideshare affordable.”