Córdoba: the new Uber ordinance could leave 77% of drivers without work

At a press conference, Uber warned about the project promoted by the City Council. The company reported that the new ordinance sets a quota that would leave out more than 15,000 drivers. Additionally, they anticipated direct consequences for users.

“Today, more than 20,000 people drive using the app. With the new quota, only 4,000 would remain active. That is, 77% would be excluded,” explained Juan Labaqui.

According to the regional spokesperson, those most affected will be people who use the platform as supplementary income. “They would stop receiving up to 130,000 pesos (286 pounds) per month,” he warned.

Longer wait times, fewer cars, higher fares

Uber estimated that the impact will be direct on the more than 400,000 active users in Córdoba. With fewer drivers, wait times and fares will increase. There will also be less vehicle availability in more remote neighborhoods.

“The quality of service will deteriorate. This isn't a problem for Uber, it's a problem for Córdoba,” stated Labaqui.

The company believes that the measure harms both workers and users. Meanwhile, it also undermines the informal economy that currently supports thousands of families.

Lack of dialogue and planned exclusion

Uber reported that it was never invited to discuss the ordinance. “We weren't listened to, not once were we called by the ruling party,” they complained.

“The project is moving forward without data, without real participation, and behind people's backs,” the spokesperson insisted.

In contrast, taxi drivers, remiseros, and opposition councilors did participate. “They want to exclude thousands without even having the debate,” they emphasized.

The opposition questions the restrictive model

Opposition councilors were blunt: “We can't hide behind the word "regulation" an adjustment for residents.” “If supply drops, price rises. The one who pays that cost is the ordinary user, the same one who voted for us,” they stated.

They recounted cases such as a taxi driver who also works with Uber to make ends meet. “This ordinance doesn't solve anything, it only deepens the crisis,” they pointed out.

Councilor Jessica Rovetto Yapur went further: “They're going to impose a minimum fare tied to the bus and a quota of licenses based on favoritism,”

She asserted that the ruling party "broke all agreements" by moving forward without listening to the parties involved.  “This isn't what they've been fighting for over a year,” she said.

The ruling party shields itself with legality, but closes the game

Hacemos Unidos por Córdoba replied that the corporatist project complies with requirements set by the courts. “Uber never approached to regularize its situation,” stated Martín Simonian.

They detailed that the quota of 4,000 will be updated annually and that a professional license, insurance, and a vehicle in good condition will be required.

“This isn't a closed or arbitrary regulation,” they said. However, they refuse to discuss with the company and justify moving forward without dialogue.

A political battle in the name of residents

Uber announced that it will launch a participatory campaign to stop the project.  There will be surveys, signature collection, and testimonials from users and drivers.

“This isn't a technical debate. It's a discussion about the city model and whom the Council represents when it legislates,” they expressed.

“The message is clear: if regulation is done poorly, residents pay the price. In a year of crisis, that will be felt,” Labaqui concluded.