Uber could withdraw service in Austria if forced to charge the same as local taxis

Ride-hailing firm Uber have warned Austrian users that they could withdraw the service, if they have to adopt the same prices as taxis. In Austria, private hire operators like Uber are classified as car rental services. That means Uber can currently set the price of all journeys undertaken. This includes its ‘Surge’ pricing model which charges passengers more when demand for vehicles is high.

Taxis are regulated similarly to that in the UK, whereby the local provinces will set the price for the region.

The legislation could be applied as early as September if parliament passes the change next month. Speaking to ORF Radio, Uber Austria chief Martin Essl said: “If that comes, then a 

withdrawal definitely cannot be ruled out.”

He added: “We probably cannot continue with this backward-looking amendment.”