Uber faces Malta licence suspension threat as new cab rules come into force

Uber could soon lose its Malta license after failing to immediately implement certain new legal requirements. 

The issue revolves around a new requirement for ride hailing platforms to update their technology to allow self-employed drivers to see their trip fares and destinations before deciding whether to accept a ride request.

Uber informed self-employed drivers that it is still working on implementing this technology and that this should take around two weeks. 

It has suspended them from the Uber platform pending the implementation of this technology.

Transport Malta warned Uber that it could revoke its operational license if it fails to comply with these new requirements, while Transport Minister Chris Bonett said it had months to prepare for these new changes.

“The laws were written to strengthen the sector and ensure it gains credibility as a valid and strong alternative means of transport,” Dr Bonett said. 

“These actions only harm the sector, and ultimately the workers. As a Government we won’t accept it and we encourage Uber to immediately conform with the law.”

Neither he nor Transport Malta have clarified whether Uber has been given a clear deadline by when it must comply with the new law.