Minnesota lawmakers reach agreement to retain Uber and Lyft services by offering improved pay package to drivers
- Minnesota lawmakers have reached a last-minute deal to prevent Uber and Lyft from leaving the state by introducing a bill to improve driver pay.
- The bill has been passed by the Legislature and now awaits approval by Governor Tim Walz to become law.
- The agreement aims to retain rideshare services in Minnesota amidst threats of market exit by Uber and Lyft.
Lawmakers in Minnesota passed a bill to increase pay for Uber and Lyft drivers. The House approved the bill, but the Senate delayed it before finally agreeing before the deadline. The bill now goes to Governor Tim Walz to become law. The new pay rates are $1.28 per mile and 31 cents per minute, starting in December. This plan was made to replace a previous pay rule in Minneapolis that made Uber and Lyft consider leaving the city. Uber agreed to stay under the new rates, while Lyft did not comment immediately. The original proposal that companies disagreed with required paying drivers more. The new deal gives drivers a 20% raise and includes other benefits. The Governor and lawmakers worked together to keep Uber and Lyft in the state. The companies had planned to leave due to a Minneapolis law. The negotiations were intense, but the final agreement was seen as the best for drivers. The bill was passed after many emails from drivers and riders to legislators. The new law will prevent Uber and Lyft from leaving Minnesota. The pay increase for drivers will start in December. The negotiations were tough, but the final deal was considered good for everyone involved. The bill was passed in time before the session ended.