The National Republican Guard (GNR) and the Public Security Police (PSP) recently conducted a selective inspection operation targeting road passenger transport under the TVDE regime, which includes Uber taxis. The operation took place between Monday and Friday, during which they inspected 1,444 drivers working for individual passenger transport platforms in unmarked vehicles (TVDE). As a result, they recorded 569 reports of administrative offenses.
The operation detected 61 cases of drivers who did not have a written contract proving their employment relationship with the TVDE operator and nine cases in which the TVDE operator did not have a license to operate. They also detected 89 infractions relating to the organization of work and the recording of driving and rest times. In addition, 19 cases were recorded where the vehicles did not have the mandatory TVDE identification badge affixed, and 11 of them did not even have this identifying element.
Background:
Uber has been operating in Portugal since 2014, initially limited to Lisbon and later expanding its services nationwide. This has led to increased competition with traditional taxi drivers, and tensions have escalated as Uber drivers faced accusations of flouting regulations and not adhering to the same tax rights and duties as taxi drivers.
The “Uber Law”:
In 2018, the Portuguese government introduced the “Uber law”, which mandates specific requirements for ride-hailing services. According to this law, vehicles used by companies providing smartphone-based booking services must display a TVDE plate. Additionally, all drivers must undergo adequate training to provide safe transportation services, and drivers must obtain authorization from the IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes) to operate.
Protests and Challenges:
Recently, TVDE drivers have protested the degradation of their sector due to pricing policies implemented by various TVDE companies. These policies have left drivers dissatisfied, especially considering rising fuel costs. The burden of these expenses falls squarely on the drivers, impacting their livelihoods.
Uber’s Response:
While Uber has not issued an official statement regarding the recent crackdown, the company has faced similar challenges globally. In other countries, Uber has been accused of flouting local laws and regulations, leading to ongoing tensions between innovative tech platforms and established transportation services.
Passenger Safety and Legal Compliance:
Passengers are advised to verify that their Uber driver is properly licensed and adheres to all legal requirements. The crackdown on illegal Uber drivers underscores the importance of maintaining public trust and safety in the transportation sector. As the investigation continues, Portuguese law enforcement agencies remain committed to ensuring safe and legal transportation options for residents and visitors alike.
Source: Illegal Uber drivers apprehended – The Portugal News