The Portland Metro Chamber and the We Play for Portland Coalition urged Portland City Council on April 3 to reject any proposal that would impose a take rate or earnings mandate on rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft. The organizations said such measures could lead to higher costs, reduced service, and negative impacts on the local economy.
The coalition, which includes major business and cultural groups, said rideshare services are essential for connecting residents, workers, and visitors to jobs, events, restaurants, hotels, and cultural institutions—especially during evenings and weekends when public transit options are limited. According to the coalition letter, “Rideshare services connect Portland residents, workers, and visitors to jobs, events, restaurants, hotels, and cultural institutions, especially in the evenings and on weekends when transit options remain limited. Major venues used by the Portland Trail Blazers, Portland Timbers, and Oregon Symphony have little or no onsite parking, making rideshare essential for event attendance and tourism. The organizations represented generate millions of dollars in annual economic activity, support thousands of jobs in hospitality, retail, and entertainment, and depend on reliable, affordable transportation. Portland already operates one of the most expensive rideshare markets in the country due to cumulative fee increases,” according to the coalition letter.
The joint position was published by the Chamber on its resources page. The We Play for Portland Coalition includes organizations such as the Portland Trail Blazers, Portland Timbers, Travel Portland, Oregon Symphony, Oregon Ballet Theatre, and Portland Opera. The announcement emphasized “the need for a transparent data-driven process with full stakeholder input before any policy changes affecting rideshare operations” according to the Chamber.
Citing examples from other cities that have implemented similar policies for rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft—including Seattle—the coalition warned of potential consequences. “Seattle implemented a similar rideshare earnings standard that caused fares to rise approximately 40% and led to sharp drops in demand with reduced service availability particularly during peak and late-night hours according to analyses of the policy. Austin experienced a complete market exit by rideshare companies after strict regulations took effect until the policies were later reversed. These outcomes show how earnings mandates can reduce overall trips harm flexible transportation access and disrupt economies reliant on rideshare for mobility without delivering lasting benefits for drivers. Portland risks comparable or greater impacts given the existing high costs,” according to analyses cited by the coalition.
The Chamber represents more than 2,300 member businesses across greater Portland. It advocates for economic growth while supporting accessible transportation options through partnerships like We Play for Portland Coalition according to its website.
