Lyft And Uber Threaten To Leave Minneapolis Over Rideshare Ordinance

MINNEAPOLIS — Lyft and Uber are threatening to leave Minneapolis if the city approves an ordinance giving rideshare drivers higher pay, according to reports.

In an email to customers, Lyft said it would “be forced to stop operating in Minneapolis” if the ordinance passes, KSTP reported, adding Uber told customers it would “have no choice but to greatly reduce service, and possibly shut down operations entirely.”

The ordinance would guarantee that drivers for rides originating in Minneapolis make at least $15 an hour, according to MPR News. Drivers would get $1.40 per mile and 51 cents per minute when with a passenger in Minneapolis borders, the Star Tribune reported.

Rideshare companies would also have to alert drivers five days prior to deactivating their account, “even if the driver is reported for a serious safety issue,” according to the Tribune.

Lyft and Uber claim the ordinance may cause ride prices to nearby double, KSTP reported.

State legislators passed a similar proposal earlier this year but Gov. Tim Walz vetoed it, according to KSTP, which added that a working group will give recommendations for rideshare legislation next year.

The city council may consider the bill Thursday, KSTP reported.