Its Taiwan appeal rejected, Uber will have to register as a normal transportation company

Uber has been having a tough time in Taiwan. It registered as an “information services” business when it first entered the country, but in December of last year Taiwan’s transport ministry declared it illegal on the grounds that it was in reality a transportation company. Before Chinese new year, Uber had applied to re-register as a new “ding-class” transportation company, one that wouldn’t have to pay taxes. But on Friday the transport ministry rejected that appeal and reiterated that Uber needs to register as a regular transportation company.

The ministry reportedly stressed that Uber’s concept of improving service for passengers is good, but that it needs to register as a transportation company, compete fairly with existing taxi and car-rental services, and pay taxes.

While the debate over Uber’s legal status has gone on, the company has continued to operate, racking up fines from Taiwan’s transport ministry. As of this week, Uber itself has racked up NTD 21.25 million (US$670,000) in fines, and its drivers have been ticketed for another NTD 8.2 million (US$260,000). It has paid a small percentage of those fines but also has a pending appeal that the rest of the fines not be enforced.

(Source: Sina Tech)