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Understand the proposal that could revolutionize ride-hailing apps, requiring drivers to have change for cash and granting free rides in the event of a lack of change.
Free rides on Uber and 99? The debate surrounding a bill that directly impacts app drivers, such as Uber and 99, is shaking up the legislative scene and generating diverse opinions. The proposal, which requires drivers to have change for cash payments, could completely change the dynamics of rides. And there's more: in the absence of change, the ride would be free for the passenger. Let's understand this story better?
What does the bill say?
O 4126 / 2023 Bill, authored by congressman Marcos Soares (União-RJ), aims to resolve an uncomfortable situation faced by many passengers. According to the author, it is common for consumers to end up being harmed when app drivers do not have change. In these situations, customers have to make transfers via Pix or even give up the amount they would have received back. For Soares, this is an injustice.
The proposal suggests that whenever the driver does not have change, the ride will be free for the passenger. Although the goal is to guarantee more rights to consumers, the project does not set a limit on the amount of change. And this is exactly where concerns arise.
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Impact on app drivers
For those who work as app drivers, such as for Uber or 99, the idea of offering free rides in case of lack of change seems challenging. Many point out that the logistics of keeping coins and bills of different values is complicated, especially considering the shortage of coins in several regions of Brazil. The lack of a clear limit on the value of change can also make the obligation unfeasible.
Another point raised is the lack of standardization among the aplicativos. While some drivers work for more than one platform, such as Uber and 99, different rules can create confusion and harm the financial planning of these professionals.
Rejection in the road and transport committee
On October 31, 2023, the Transport and Roads Committee rejected the project. According to deputy Mauricio Marcon (PODE-RS), rapporteur of the proposal, the regulation of private transport is the responsibility of the municipal public authority, not the federal legislator.
Marcon also highlighted that the lack of coins is a common problem in many regions, which would make the proposal difficult to implement. He argued that the measure would cause more inconvenience than solutions, both for passengers and for app drivers.
The future of the project
Despite its initial rejection, Bill 4126/2023 is still being processed. It is now being analyzed by the Consumer Defense Committee, where it will be discussed from a new perspective. Since November 1, 2024, the proposal has been under conclusive evaluation, which means that it can be approved directly by the competent committees, without going through the plenary.
The final decision is still uncertain, but the debate raises important questions about consumer rights and drivers’ obligations. In the meantime, passengers and drivers are closely monitoring developments, waiting for answers that balance the needs of both parties.
How passengers can prepare
Although the requirement to give change is not yet a reality, passengers can take some measures to avoid uncomfortable situations:
- Have money exchanged: Whenever possible, carry bills and coins to make payment easier;
- Use digital options: Most apps, such as Uber and 99, offer payments via Pix, credit or debit cards. These options eliminate the need for change;
- Communicate with the driver: If you do not have the exact amount, let the driver know before starting the trip to avoid misunderstandings.
What this means for the app industry
This discussion reflects a broader tension between consumers and ride-hailing drivers. On the one hand, passengers are seeking greater assurance that they will be treated fairly. On the other, drivers face daily challenges in balancing comfort, safety, and financial viability.
Companies like Uber and 99 also play a key role in this scenario. They can invest in technological solutions that make payments more practical, such as automatic discounts for trips with change problems or incentives for drivers who keep bills and coins available.
The proposal for free rides on Uber and 99 in the event of a lack of change raises an important question: how can we balance consumer rights with the reality of drivers? Although the intention of the project is to protect passengers, it is essential that any measure also takes into account the difficulties faced by those who depend on apps for work.
Kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk…just laughing…in addition to earning a pittance at Uber and 99, now I have to do slave labor?…it can only be another one of Super Lules’s…holy ignorance Batman…
What is the situation sometimes with public transport if you don't have change they won't let you board?
It's already a pittance at Uber to earn a few bucks. Gas is expensive, alcohol is expensive, and the rides are sometimes worth it to go. Now, passengers will ride for free. It's a joke with the category. They should fight for a better rate for the driver too, because we pick up passengers with a rate of 1.38 per kilometer driven. See if this is fair for us professionals. We drop off passengers at their doorsteps when the bus simply drops them off on the route established by the company. This is absurd. Seeing a project like this, he should get behind the wheel and spend 12.00 hours driving to see if they'll agree to this.