Uber pulling out of Taiwan after nearly $50m in fines

This article is more than 12 months old

Feb 03, 2017 06:00 am

TAIPEI: Global car-hailing firm Uber is putting the brakes on its ride-sharing services in Taiwan after racking up NT$1.1 billion (S$49.9 million) in fines within a month in the wake of a new law prohibiting unlicenced taxi services.

The company said yesterday it was suspending its operations with effect from Feb 10 with the hope of "restarting dialogue" with the government.

The decision came amid reports that the Directorate General of Highways, an arm of the Taiwan's Transport Ministry, had ordered Uber to cease operations.

Calling the pullout a "tough decision", Uber said it is "an ordinary citizen that is facing unprecedented penalties for providing passengers with a safe ride".

It also said the government is "moving away from embracing innovation and 21st century trends".

The company is still expected to go ahead with the launch of taxi services under its UberTaxi platform later this month.  - THE STRAITS TIMES

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