Has Uber ceased operations in Minnesota outside the Twin Cities?

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No.

Uber is continuing its normal operations in Minnesota cities beyond the Twin Cities metro area, according to a company spokesperson.

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A bill that would have required digital ride-hailing companies like Uber to set minimum pay rates for drivers was vetoed by Gov. Tim Walz on May 25, 2023. The veto followed a threat from Uber to limit its operations outside the Twin Cities if the bill was signed into law.

Under HF 2369, Twin Cities area trips’ minimum driver compensation would have cost at least $1.45 per mile and an additional $0.34 per minute. Driver compensation for rides outside of the Twin Cities would cost at least $1.25 per mile and $0.34 per minute.

Since it was vetoed, “no service changes were required,” Uber spokesperson Freddi Goldstein wrote in an email to MinnPost. Uber lists Greater Minnesota cities such as Duluth, Rochester and St. Cloud as having available service.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

Sources:

• MinnPost   Email correspondence with Uber
• Minnesota Legislature   HF 2369
• Office of Governor Tim Walz & Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan   Governor Walz Vetoes Rideshare Legislation in its Current Form
• CBS News   Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz vetoes rideshare driver bill after Uber threatens to halt operations outside Twin Cities
• Uber   Use Uber in cities around the world

Jayne Williamson-Lee is a freelance science journalist who is part of MinnPost’s fact briefs team.