Minnesota Legislature brokers deal to retain Uber and Lyft in the state

A deal was made on Saturday night by state lawmakers and Governor Tim Walz to keep Uber and possibly Lyft in Minnesota. This agreement was reached at the last minute and would override a law passed by the Minneapolis City Council. The rideshare drivers have been advocating for higher wages and better benefits for two years. The new deal would set a rate of $1.28 per mile and 31 cents per minute for drivers, which is lower than what the city of Minneapolis had proposed. Additionally, the deal includes strong insurance protections for rideshare drivers, making Minnesota one of the few states to regulate Transportation Network Companies (TNCs). The City Council President, Elliott Payne, expressed satisfaction with the deal, mentioning the efforts made to prioritize the drivers' needs. Uber's policy director, Josh Gold, acknowledged the thousands of riders and drivers who voiced their opinions to legislators. Despite potential price increases, Uber is pleased with the compromise that allows them to continue operating in the state. The Minneapolis ordinance faced opposition from residents and community leaders, leading to a joint news conference where various groups requested a compromise to retain Uber and Lyft services. The deal at the State Capitol would supersede the ordinance previously passed by the Minneapolis City Council, as confirmed by Council President Elliott Payne's response.