Cities and Governments' Opposition to UBER

Country	Date	Notes
Australia	April 2014 May 2014 Aug 2014 Oct 2014 Jan 2015	The New South Wales (NSW) Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) cracks down on Uber by issuing fines to drivers (Transport for NSW clarifies that “if a NSW driver is taking paying members of the public as passengers, the driver and the vehicle must operate in accordance with the Passenger Transport Act” and “Under the act, such services must be provided in a licensed taxi or hire car, by an appropriate accredited driver, authorised by RMS.”). In May, NSW Transport Minister says RMS is investigating Uber’s case. The Taxi Service Commission in Victoria issues a number of infringement notices to Uber drivers after a public warning discouraging people to use ride-sharing applications. In Western Australia, the Liberals pass a motion to consider the regulations surrounding companies like Uber. As of April 2015, the Department of Transport has issued Uber drivers with seven cautions, two infringements and 53 notices to prove they are complying with Western Australia laws. Victoria’s taxi regulator demands that Uber scrap its UberX service. A cease and desist letter is issued by the Taxi Services Commission citing safety concerns. The Queensland Government reports that it has issued more than $260,000 worth of fines to 95 UberX drivers since the service started operating in Brisbane in early 2014.
Belgium	April 2014 Mar 2015	A Brussels court outlaws Uber’s services in the city, claiming the company did not have the correct approvals to operate there. [In Nov 2014, the Brussels authorities prepare a draft law that would allow Uber to co-exist with traditional taxi companies.] For the first time an Uber driver appears in court in Brussels. The driver risks a Euro 3,000 fine for providing taxi services without possessing a licence. In May, the driver is found guilty of breaching taxi rules and his car is confiscated. Thirty more cases are due to be heard.
Brazil	Dec 2014 May 2015	Rio de Janeiro’s transport office declares the service illegal stating that it is ‘paid transport without proper licensing’. Drivers risk having their cars seized. The municipal transport department (SMTR) says it has filesd a complaint with police against Uber and similar companies. The State of Sao Paulo Court of Law orders Uber to halt its activities in Brazil. Uber will have to pay a minimum fine of $34,000 a day if it violates the order. A week later, a judge overturns the injunction.
Bulgaria	Mar 2015	The Ministry of Transport launches secret inspections of cars used by Uber to establish if any violations of the Bulgarian law are occurring. The evidence will be submitted to the courts.
Canada	Sep 2014 Oct 2014 Nov 2014 Dec 2014 Jan 2015 Feb 2015	Two UberX drivers are fined in Ottawa. The City of Ottawa says that Uber needs to be licensed in order to operate in the city. City of Toronto issues a statement to say that UberX violates municipal bylaws and ‘may pose a serious safety risk.’ Montreal’s mayor says publicly he believes UberX is illegal. Vancouver’s city council passes a motion imposing a moratorium on new taxi licences for six months while it studies several issues related to the industry, including services such as Uber. Uber ran a limousine service for six months in Vancouver in 2012 before provincial regulators forced it to withdraw by imposing a minimum fare of $75. British Columbia’s transportation minister warns of stiff fines and legal action if Uber operates without the proper licences. (Media reports in November state that the BC government is planning to launch undercover checks on Uber in order to enforce regulations). The City of Toronto seeks an injunction to stop Uber from operating within the city’s limits, alleging that it is operating without a proper taxi brokerage license or limousine brokerage license. The City also saysing the company has committed at least 36 bylaw infractions since 2012. The executive director of municipal licensing and standards said that the service poses a safety risk to the residents of Toronto. The Mayor takes a different stance, saying that Uber is “here to stay” and that “It is time our regulatory system got in line with evolving consumer demands in the 21^st century, … I intend to see that it does, while being fair to all parties, respecting the law and public safety.” In March 2015, Toronto Police launch a crackdown on UberX drivers. At least 11 alleged UberX drivers are facing a total of at least 22 charges after a week-long undercover sting. In May 2015, Uber Canada announces that it will apply for a taxi licence in Toronto. It is not seeking a limousine licence for its UberBlack and Uber SUV services or any licence for its UberX service. Legislation is introduced in Ottawa which will fine drivers between $500 and $30,000 per offence. Drivers could also receive three demerit points, see their licenses suspended for 30 days and their cars impounded for 30 days (Protecting Passenger Safety Act). As of March 2015, a total of 52 charges have been laid against 25 Uber drivers since Uber started operating in the city in the autumn of 2014. 17 drivers have pleaded guilty to the charges against them. In BC, Uber is required to seek a limousine licence in order to operate in the province. Uber refuses to comply. In Edmonton, the city council passes a motion to apply for an injunction against Uber until the company complies with current city bylaws. The council considers Uber illegal as the drivers are not licensed by the city. In March 2015, Uber faces its first-ever day in court against a municipality as the city attempts to get an injunction against the company. The city fails to get an injunction. In denying the request, the Justice ruled the city might not have been pursuing the right legal entity, because Uber is registered in both the Netherlands and California. Further, the Justice said encouraging people to download the app was not enough to break the law. Although the city views Uber cars as bandit taxis, councillors have said they are prepared to look at how regulations could be changed so ride-share services could operate legally in Edmonton. Manitoba province states that drivers driving for Uber will be doing so illegally. Uber drivers have to register for taxi licenses. On the same day as a protest by hundreds of taxicab drivers in Montreal, calling on the government to crack down on Uber, the provincial transport minister says that he plans to make it easier for municipal taxi bureaus to seize cars illegally operating as taxis. At least two Uber vehicles have already been temporarily seized.
China	Jan 2015 April 2015 May 2015	The director of Beijing’s traffic enforcement unit says that the use of unlicensed taxis by internet hailing apps violates a ban on illegal taxis. A crackdown begins on 1 January. Drivers face fines of up to Rmb20,000 ($3,221). On 9 January, the Ministry of Transport in China bans drivers of private cars from offering services through ride-hailing apps. Chinese police raid the offices of Uber in Guangzhou. Reports suggest that police confiscated phones and other equipment. A local newspaper reports that Uber is accused of running an ‘illegal’ transport service, although no public explanation is given by local law enforcement officials. Chinese police visit Uber offices in a second city – Chengdu - as part of an investigation into Uber allowing private drivers to offer their services via the taxi-hailing app
Colombia	Nov 2014	The Transportation Ministry declares illegal all smartphone applications that facilitate the hiring of cabs that aren’t registered for that purpose. The decision comes amid threats of a strike by yellow taxis who consider cars affiliated with Uber to be ‘pirates’.
Denmark	Nov 2014	The Land Transit Authority files a police complaint against Uber, stating that the company violates passenger laws (limousine service and UberPop). The complaint is filed on the same day as the company’s launch in Copenhagen.
France	Sep 2014 Dec 2014 Mar 2015	Imposed rule on private services (following complaints by Paris cab drivers). Requires minimum 15-minute wait between time car booked and passenger picked-up. Decree later struck down by constitutional court. The National Assembly signs into law a bill that will make it exceedingly difficult for ride-sharing services like Uber to continue operating in the country. The bill includes restrictions on both taxis and car services (les voitures de tourisme avec chauffeur), the most impactful being the regulation which prevents VTC services from using GPS systems to alert users to the location of nearby cars via smartphone. France’s Interior Ministry says it will ban UberPop from 1 January (as drivers are not licensed). Taxi drivers in France block some roads around Paris and at airports in a protest against Uber. In February 2015, Uber files a second complaint to the European Commission against a French law which Uber says favours regular taxis. Uber’s first complaint against France’s taxi law was rejected by the EU. Police raid Uber’s office in Paris as part of an ongoing investigation into its UberPop service. Police seize mobile phones belonging to drivers, as well as emails and documents during the raid. The Cour d’Appel de Paris declines to ban UberPop in France, deferring the case to a higher court. The decision leaves Uber free to continue operating UberPop in France.
Gemany	July 2014 Aug 2014 Sep 2014 Mar 2015	Hamburg’s transport office sends Uber an injunction that said its drivers needed special licences to transport passengers. An administrative court in Hamburg subsequently rejected Uber’s urgent motion against the ban. In January 2015 Germany’s highest court, the Federal Constitutional Court, declined to hear a complaint by Uber over a ban on its activity in the city. The Court said the complaint was “not accepted for a decision due to lack of admissibility.” A decision is taken to ban Uber in Berlin due to safety concerns (citing issues pertaining to unregulated vehicles and unqualified drivers who are not properly insured) In Frankfurt, a state court bans the UberPop service from operating in Germany (the first nationwide ban on an Uber service). The court found that Uber posed unfair competition to the local taxi industry. The ban was lifted in mid-September. The Frankfurt regional court imposes a nationwide ban on UberPop, ruling that the service lacks the necessary official permits required of taxi drivers to operate in Germany. The court says each violation is subject to a Euro 250,000 fine. Uber files an EU complaint against the ban. In April 2015, Uber announces operational changes to amend its UberPop service to charge 35 cents per kilometre, matching what local taxi services charge both in Frankfurt and Munich.
India	Dec 2014 Jan 2015 Feb 2015	New Delhi bans the company after one of its drivers is accused of raping a passenger. The central government is reported to be considering banning Uber services across India. [The company starts a petition to ‘bring Uber back’ (signed by almost 8,000 people). It also introduces new safety measures in the country, including a ‘ShareMyETA’ button. The authorities introduce new regulations which would allow the service to resume business as a taxi operator by applying for a licence. However Uber refuses to apply for a licence. The regulations also include further safety requirements for taxi services, including hiring female drivers and offering regular training on gender sensitisation.] Uber is also banned in Hyderabad. The road transport authority states that Uber has no license to operate in the city. The Delhi government decides to continue its ban on Uber (and Ola) as the companies, among other things, do not have a licence to operate taxis in the capital. Uber’s application to be recognised as a radio-dispatched taxi company in Delhi is rejected. Transport regulations say that radio cab companies must have fleets of at least 200 vehicles, 24 hour call centres and panic buttons in their vehicles for customers in the case of emergency. Transport authorities in Delhi ask the central government to block Uber, saying that the company has been operating illegally in the capital. If successful, Uber would be prevented from operating in the 10 other Indian cities where it hasn’t been banned. India is Uber’s second largest market after the US. In March, the Delhi Government Transport Department requests the Department of Electronic and Information Technology to block the web-based apps of Uber, Ola and Taxi For Sure. NOTE: The ban in Delhi follows an earlier clash with Indian authorities over the way customers pay fares. Taxi drivers in the country said the system broke rules set by the Reserve Bank of India. In response, Uber set up a deal with smartphone-wallet company Paytm which did not fall under the two-step requirement.
Indonesia	Dec 2014	An adviser to Jakarta’s Transportation Agency says that private drivers using apps such as Uber to pick up fare-paying passengers are acting illegally (though the law has never been enforced).
Italy	Nov 2014	UberPop vehicles seized by police. Drivers issued with fines.
Japan	Mar 2015	Japan’s transport ministry orders Uber to stop its ride-sharing pilot programme, Everyone’s Uber, in southern Fukuoka city as it violates the country’s road transportation law. Uber had so far avoided regulatory obstacles in Japan by working with taxi operators and car-hire companies in Tokyo.
Malaysia	Oct 2014	The Road Transport Department continues its crackdown against private vehicles and hire-and-drive licensed drivers which offer transport services similar to taxis through the Uber app. Users are warned that they would not be covered by insurance if involved in a crash. The authorities also threaten to detain Uber drivers if they do not obtain taxi-driver licenses.
Netherlands	Oct 2014 Dec 2014 Mar 2015 April 2015	UberPop taxi drivers are arrested in Amsterdam. A court (the Trade and Industry Appeals Tribunal) in The Hague bans the UberPop service from operating in the Netherlands because of the lack of livery licensing for drivers. Drivers can be fined Euro 10,000 for violating the order., while Uber is ordered to pay a maximum fine of could face fines of up to Euro 100,000 per violationon 6 March 2015. Other Uber services (UberBlack, UberLux) remain in operation. Uber says it will appealed the ruling and is still operating its basic UberPop service while the case is pending. The Dutch Environment and Transport Inspectorate raids the headquarters of Uber in Amsterdam. The investigators focus their search on UberPop. Uber offices are raided a second time. An Uber employee is reportedly arrested after refusing to cooperate with inspectors. Dutch prosecutors launch a criminal investigation on Uber for providing an illegal taxi service in violation of a court order. Uber announces that drivers for UberPop will need to take taxi exams at the CBR, possess an official drivers’ card and have a medical certificate. Uber will assist drivers in gaining these qualifications.
New Zealand	Jan 2015	Two Uber drivers appear in court amid a crackdown in Auckland. They are charged with determining a fare other than by way of a set fare or an hourly rate agreed with passengers at the time of booking, and with using a taxi meter to determine a fare. They could face fines of up to $10,000 if found guilty.
Norway	Dec 2014	The City of Oslo files a police complaint against Uber, claiming the company does not have all the required permits. Uber launched in Norway in mid-November.
Philippines	Oct 2014	LTFRB imposes a fine for using Uber on public utility vehicles and sedans (despite recommendations of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority). The LTFRB explains that this is because Uber does not have an approved franchise to operate in the country. It also remarks that the company can still operate in Metro Manila if the House of Representatives can give them a proper legislative franchise. LTFRB temporarily suspends apprehending Uber vehicles after an intervention from the Department of Transportation and Communications. It will review its operations.
Portugal	April 2015	Uber is banned in Portugal. The decision is taken by the Court of Lisbon which accepts an injunction filed by Antral, the road carriers association. As a result of the decision, the Uber website for the Portuguese market must be closed. The company also faces a daily fine of not less than Euro 10,000 for each day the company does not comply with the court decision.
Singapore	Nov 2014	The Land Transport Authority launches its own taxi-finding app.
South Africa	Jan 2015	Police impound 33 cars in Cape Town for failing to have a taxi licence. Uber says authorities are making it difficult for drivers to get those licences.
South Korea	July 2014 Dec 2014 Dec 2014 Jan 2015 Feb 2015 Mar 2015	The Seoul city government announces that it will seek to ban Uber since it does not abide by laws that require transportation businesses to take public safety measures. The city government also intends to create its own app. An ordinance is passed at the city council aiming to keeping Uber out of the city (authorities will be able to fine Uber drivers up to 1 million won). Uber cites on its blog that “this predatory move may represent a breach of the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement.” South Korean prosecutors indict the local subsidiary of Uber for violating national transportation laws. The indictment also names the company CEO for flouting legislation that prohibits any person or company from using rental cars for paid transportation services without the correct licence. The penalty for the alleged crime is a fine of around $18,000 or a prison sentence of up to 2 years. Uber indicates that it will cooperate fully with any investigation. Uber announces that it will connect users to a licensed taxi company in Incheon in a bid to comply with local regulations that ban the service from using private cars. The Korea Communications Commission says it will report the local office of Uber Korea to prosecutors for violating communications rules on using location data. The KCC says Uber did not receive official permission from the government to provide location-tracking services on its app and also failed to inform the government of its business. Uber Korea faces up to $27,600 in fines or a jail term of up to three years if found guilty of violating the act. Uber starts offering free fares to customers using UberX in Seoul in order to establish a “consensus” with government officials. In March, Uber suspends its UberX service in South Korea following discussions with the government. It will continue to offer its Uber Black service. Nearly 30 people linked to Uber are charged on suspicion of operating illegal taxi services in the country. They include Uber’s chief executive Travis Kalanick.
Spain	Dec 2014 Mar 2015	A court in Madrid issues a temporary ban on Uber services in Spain, saying its drivers lack proper permits. The judge also rules that Uber drivers could be unfairly competing with licensed taxi drivers. Later in December, Uber closes its service in Spain. The company states: “We want to respect the law and we have decided to halt the service.” Uber files an EU complaint against the ban.
Sweden		Uber drivers have to get a waiver from rules requiring taxi meters from the taxi authority. Drivers are asking the authority for more clarity.
Switzerland	April 2015	Uber is ordered to cease operations of its UberX service in Geneva. The Geneva cantonal government finds that the service is in violation of local taxi regulations. The company launches an online petition which gathers more than 7,000 signatures.
Taiwan	Dec 2014	Uber is banned. The Transport Ministry says the company is operating in violation of the law. The Ministry is also looking at blocking access to the company’s website and mobile app. The Ministry of Economic Affairs is exploring the possibility of revoking Uber’s business registration in Taiwan.
Thailand	Nov 2014 Dec 2014	The Department of Land Transport declares that Uber is operating illegally. Drivers will face heavy fines for using improper cars and fare structures. The Department of Land Transport orders Uber to cease operations. The declaration is made because: Uber vehicles were improperly registered; its drivers were not licensed; fares were being levied outside regulated rates; the service was unavailable to those without a credit card. The Department starts to find and fine Uber drivers - those caught by police could face fines up to 4,000 Baht (£80) for breaking laws governing how taxis operate.
UK	Oct 2014	London’s transportation agency has stated that it believes the taxi-like services are legal, but will ask a court to rule. Black cab associations have sued several individual Uber drivers. London’s taxi and minicab regulator refers Uber’s corporate and tax affairs to HMRC. In January 2015, The Licensed Private Hire Car Association calls for the Government to crack down on the company’s “unfair” tax practices, threatening to adopt similar “avoidance arrangements” unless something is done. By processing London jobs through its Dutch subsidiary, Uber pays a lower rate of VAT on the commission it takes from fares.
US	Feb 2014 Mar 2014 May 2014 June 2014 July 2014 Oct 2014 Nov 2014 Dec 2014 Jan 2015 Feb 2015 Mar 2015 Apr 2015	A bill is put forward to require stringent background checks for ride-sharing drivers in California as required for traditional taxi drivers. After strong lobbying by companies like Uber and Lyft, the bill dies. Seattle City Council votes to limit the number of drivers that ridesharing services can operate to 150 per service. In April, the decision is suspended after submission of a petition by a coalition asking for the question to be put to a referendum. The Mayor announces a 45-day negotiation process to find an alternative approach. As of July, Uber had donated over $500K to ‘Seattle Citizens to Repeal Ordinance 124441’. In Boston, a Commission hearing is held to determine whether to impose stricter regulations on app companies. The Colorado Governor signs into law first ridesharing legislation in the country. It creates a new vehicle class called “Transportation Network Companies” requiring that each driver pass a rigorous background check, every vehicle on the road has been inspected for safety and quality, every trip is insured. The company helps persuade lawmakers to ease drivers’ background checks. Pennsylvania considers a cease-and-desist order against Uber over its UberX service. In August, Uber is granted an “Emergency Temporary Authority” to operate. At a hearing in May 2015, an attorney for the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s enforcement arm says Uber’s refusal to comply with repeated orders from judges shows it is unfit to operate in the Commonwealth. The prosecutor recommends civil penalties in the amount of $19 million. Virginia’s Department of Motor Vehicles sends cease and desist letter to Uber and Lyft. The letters order the companies to stop operating in violation of state laws or face fines. In February 2015, legislation is signed setting a regulatory framework for app-based car services and allowing them to legally operate in the state. This follows months of negotiations. Uber launches in Miami-Dade county despite local regulations prohibiting unlicensed taxi services. The county has levied fines and impounded the cars of some drivers. Uber has covered the fees incurred by their drivers. After more than a year of debate, Milwaukee officials approve a new ordinance that requires ride-share drivers to follow the same licensing and background-check requirements as taxi drivers. Illinois state legislators pass two bills that will heavily regulate ride-sharing services, including requiring state-conducted background checks for drivers and companies to provide service to underserved areas and passengers who need wheelchairs. The bill is vetoed after lobbying. City of Mississauga conducts a review of Uber and determines the company needs to get a broker’s licence to operate there. A district judge in Nevada issues a restraining order against the company. Uber shuts its service. The order followed a petition from the Nevada transportation authority that argued Uber’s unregulated business model endangered passenger safety. Nevada is the first US state to make Uber temporarily shut down. In April 2015, a bill that would allow ride-hailing companies such as Uber to operate in Nevada failed in the state Senate. Cincinnati City Council passes new rules requiring ride-sharing companies to follow many of the same regulations required of traditional taxicabs. Eugene declares that Uber is operating illegally and drivers face a fine if they don’t apply for a taxi license. In March 2015, the city sues Uber, asking the court to stop Uber from operating until it meets “minimum safety requirements”. Uber tells a Eugene hearings officer that it is not really a taxi company. According to reports, the city has fined Uber $64,000 which Uber has challenged. Officials in nearby Springfield also say they have the same position on Uber. City of Portland, Ore. announces that it has sued Uber, accusing the company of operating an ‘illegal, unregulated transportation service’. It asks a judge to halt the company’s operations there until proper permits are obtained. In March 2015, Uber paid $67,750 in fines levied by the city. The payment coincides with the announcement of a 120-day “Phase 1” pilot period for new “for-hire” transport regulations. The new regulations would allow Uber to implement “surge pricing” and will eliminate long-time caps on the number of taxi companies and vehicles allowed to operate in the city. Data collected during Phase 1 will shape final recommendations. The task force was convened in December to explore revamping city taxi regulations. Two California district attorneys (Los Angeles and San Francisco) sue Uber claiming it misled customers about the methods it uses to screen its drivers, that it failed to let state authorities evaluate its fare-calculating programme for accuracy and that it illegally operates at airports. In Los Angeles, the Taxicab Commission’s president is reportedly working on a plan that would turn existing, regulated cabs into ‘Ubers’ (requiring all LA taxis to use e-hailing apps like Flywheel or Curb and for the apps to be certified by the Commission). The City Council in Chicago passes an ordinance to launch a taxi-hailing app to level the playing field between cabs and ridesharing companies. It plans to require all cabs in the city to participate. Broward County issues a ceased and desist letter warning Uber to stop operating unless it complies with local taxi laws. In April 2015, the County tightens regulations on Uber, Lyft by requiring transportation companies to have licenses and drivers to have insurance. The New York City taxi and limousine tribunal temporarily bans five of the six Uber’s bases in the city after Uber refuses to hand over ride records based on a rule that says “a Licensee must truthfully answer all questions and comply with all communications, directives and summonses from the Commission or its representatives.” A rule which the Commission states is necessary to ensure adequate protection and public safety. The Public Service Commission of South Carolina issues a cease and desist order against the company due to improper licensing of drivers. In March 2015, the South Carolina House of Representatives passes a bill that will allow Uber to operate, but under new conditions. The bill classifies Uber and companies like it as ‘Transportation Network Companies’. Companies would have to apply to the Office of Regulatory Staff for a TNC certificate and provide insurance according to the legislation. The bill also regulates what kind of vehicles can be used and also requires drivers to display ‘signage or emblem’ while they are working. Uber welcomes the development. The California Department of Motor Vehicles issues an advisory which means all people driving personal vehicles for Uber, Lyft, Sidecar and other companies must have commercial licence plates. If enforced by state or local police, the requirement would create a potentially major hurdle for companies to enrol drivers. Citing public safety concerns, Palm Beach County Commission agrees to ask a judge to order Uber and other tech-based companies to stop operating in the county unless they comply in the next 10 days with a local law regulating taxis and limousines. Media reports suggest that the debate over whether to regulate ride-hailing companies could reach Minnesota state Capitol in 2015. House and Senate lawmakers plan to introduce bills to toughen insurance regulations for companies like Uber and Lyft. Lobbyists for Uber say new regulations in Minneapolis and St. Paul already address the issue. Uber suspends its operations in Boise, Idaho, after reaching an impasse in negotiations with city leaders over new regulations. Uber takes its fight to the state legislature, where its local lobbyist proposes a bill that would allow the company to bypass regulations in the state. The bill became law in April 2015. Uber says it will halt operations in Anchorage until the city can work out details enabling Uber drivers to accept paying fares. Drivers had been providing free rides since autumn 2014 after a Superior Court judge ruled that accepting payments would violate the city’s taxi ordinance. Madison city brings forward $42,000 in fines against Uber for violating city ordinances and illegally providing paid rides to customers. Uber requests that the city’s complaints are taken to federal court, citing concerns about fair treatment. The city’s Transit and Parking Commission is currently reviewing ride-share ordinances. Minneapolis, St. Paul and six other cities and states across the US pass their own ordinances mandating $1 million in commercial insurance policies for drivers of companies who connect fares exclusively through smartphone apps. The New Jersey Assembly Transportation Committee passes a bill aimed at protecting the safety of passengers who use Uber and similar ride-sharing services. The bill establishes insurance and safety requirements for companies that use digital network or software applications to match passengers with drivers. In April 2015, Uber launches a state-wide tour in New Jersey to lobby against legislation advancing in State Assembly. New York City’s taxi industry gears up to propose a cap on for-hire-vehicles, which seeks to halt the growth of the market until city officials can study the impact on traffic, parking and pollution. In April, Melrose Credit Union, the city’s biggest financier of taxi licenses, threatens the city’s Mayor with a multi-billion lawsuit unless Uber begins to comply with the city’s taxi laws. The Michigan Senate’s Regulatory Reform Committee discusses two bills that propose to regulate ride service companies. The bills would require the companies to complete the same safety inspections and carry the same insurance as taxicab companies. They would also mandate background tracks and require drivers to hold chauffeur licences. Neither bill was brought to a vote, meaning both remain in committee. In response, Uber sends out emails asking its users to call their senators and oppose the Senate legislation. The Kansas City Missouri City Council makes its first round of approvals for a new ordinance that would require Uber drivers to pay for a permit, carry adequate insurance and get background checks. In April 2015, lawmakers in Kansas pass new rules to regulate ride-hailing services. Uber launches a digital campaign, urging customers and drivers to send emails opposing the bill. The petition gains more than 6,000 signatures. In May 2015, Uber leaves Kansas. Green Bay City Council passes a resolution ordering ride-sharing companies to immediately halt all services while the city prepares new oversight regulations. Despite the order, Uber continues to offer services. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport announces that Uber drivers will be cited if they attempt fares to or from the airport. Lyft is allowed to operate freely. The decision follows negotiations with both companies. A bill to regulate internet-based ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft is under consideration by Iowa state lawmakers. Uber is pressing legislators for state-wide rules after the City of Des Moines passed an ordinance to regulate Uber drivers. Lawmakers in Hawaii introduce a bill to create a level playing field for both transportation network companies and more traditional modes of transport, like cabs or limousines. Jefferson Parish Council rejects a measure that would have allowed Uber to operate. Uber withdraws services in San Antonio in response to a local ordinance. The company is urging users and drivers in the area to vote for candidates who will roll back the change in an upcoming local election for mayor. Uber is also asking users to support state-level legislation that would override local regulations.
Vietnam	Nov 2014 Mar 2015 April 2015	Transport Ministry says it will consider legalising Uber after earlier ruling the taxi service illegal. The Transport Minister had instructed his agency to consider adding regulation to manage Uber’s taxi operations. Uber cancelled its meeting with the Ministry in December. Ho Chi Minh City’s transport department orders Uber Vietnam to obtain a proper business licence after six months of illegally operating in the country. The Prime Minister approves a proposal from the Ministry of Transport that forces Uber Vietnam to sign contracts with licensed transport companies as a condition for its operation in the country. Random inspections will be launched to periodically check the operations of these transportation companies. If they fail to meet the requirements, they and Uber will face penalties.