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Government presents to deputies a bill to regulate Uber |
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 By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
The Ministry of Transport has sent lawmakers a proposed bill that establishes rules designed so that taxi drivers and services such as Uber coexist simultaneously, under fair conditions of competition. The proposal, if approved, would levy the value-added tax and other fees on fares. The bill is called "Reform of the system of paid transport of people and regulation of transport platform companies." The bill was presented Tuesday afternoon by the vice minister of the Presidency, Agustín Castro-Solano. This met the deadline set by Congress for the executive branch to deliver a proposal for regulation of transport technology platforms such as Uber. President Carlos Alvarado said that "our commitment is to advance in a system where taxis and transportation technology platforms coexist under conditions of fair competition. It is an issue that has been postponed for many years, and it was time to make decisions about it. " Transport Minister Rodolfo Méndez said that it is a "balanced project that creates a framework to regulate the operation of transport platform companies and, in addition, modernize the taxi service." The minister said he is aware that public transport, such as that of taxis, is a source of employment and income for thousands of families. In addition, the bill proposes an integral solution to the challenge posed by new technologies. According to the minister, the bill is based on investigations of successful experiences in large cities such as New York, Los Angeles, London, Madrid and Mexico City, which managed to regulate technology platform companies and create coexistence between services. These are the main points of the bill: - All transport companies, such as Uber or similar, are declared as a public service but will not be subject to the tariff regulation of the government. - Companies must register with the Public Transportation Council in order to operate legally. - They must issue standardized policies and procedures to promote the safety of users, avoid sexual harassment and discrimination, and ensure compliance with the Equal Opportunities for People with Disabilities Act. - The provision of transport service, as well as the income or benefits from such activity, are subject to the value-added tax (13 percent) and the tax on remittances abroad (8.5 percent). - In the case of companies that have operated prior to the effectiveness of this law, the bill sets a stiff amount for registration. |
 A.M. Costa Rica wire services photo The
provision of transport service, as well as the
income or benefits from such activity, are subject to the value-added tax (13 percent). - A national mobility fund is created, which will be financed from three sources according to the project: the payment of registration fees that must be done by transport companies and a contribution of 3 percent on the final price charged in each service. - The fund will be used for the modernization of public transport. During the first eight years, counted from its entry into operation and with the aim of improving the quality of the public transport service of people for the benefit of the user, it will be used for the modernization of the taxi fleet. - In the case of red taxis, it will establish a maximum fare that covers the first kilometer plus the additional route, allowing drivers to negotiate a lower price with the user. This should be indicated if there is agreement between the driver and the user, before starting the service. Now the price is fixed by the government. - The Public Services Regulatory Authority (known as ARESEP, an for its name in Spanish) is authorized to implement a technological application that replaces the traditional taximeter with a virtual one that facilitates competition in order to improve the quality of service received by users. And finally the representation of bus drivers and taxi drivers is eliminated from the Board of Directors of the Public Transport Council. Lawmakers will not being the lengthy process of evaluating the government's proposal. ----
Would you pay 13 percent tax when using Uber? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to: news@amcostarica.com *Click on the blue letters to reach the place in google maps. |
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