Taipei — Uber is halting its operations in Taiwan, saying it is at an "impasse" with authorities, which deem the ride-hailing app as illegal. The US company has racked up fines since it entered the Taiwan market in 2013 for running a business without the proper registration to operate as a taxi service. The suspension in Taiwan, announced on Thursday, comes after Uber halted services in Hungary last July due to new legislation that stops drivers from making money with their own vehicles. Last month Taiwanese authorities raised the maximum possible penalty for Uber drivers to T$25m ($803,639) — the highest in the world. The transport ministry said on Thursday it was preparing to charge Uber T$230m in penalties and would issue an order to halt operations. The order would be executed by the Taipei’s office of commerce, an official at the transport ministry told AFP. Pre-empting the order, Uber said in a statement on its website that it would suspend service on the island from February ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.