Taipei: Uber's planned one-month "short-range cultural experience" program to offer free motorcycle rides in Beitou District is facing legal challenges from the Taipei City government, which announced that such an initiative would violate Taiwan's transportation laws. The city has vowed to impose penalties if Uber proceeds with the program.

According to Focus Taiwan, Uber Taiwan revealed that the pilot program was set to begin at 2 p.m. Wednesday and would run for a month, offering free short-distance motorcycle rides in Beitou. However, Taipei Transportation Commissioner Hsieh Ming-hong emphasized that Taiwan's regulations do not permit motorcycle passenger transportation services. Furthermore, Uber had not sought approval from the city for this initiative.

Hsieh stated that proceeding with the program would breach existing regulations, and the city is prepared to enforce penalties under the Highway Act. The Public Transportation Office highlighted concerns over passenger safety, noting that current laws lack guidelines on insurance, liability, and passenger protections, potentially leading to disputes in case of accidents.

Taiwan's central government has supported Taipei's stance. Deputy Transportation Minister Chen Yen-po remarked that framing the service as an "experience" does not alter its legal status. He described the program as "commercial" and indicated that authorities would assess its legality based on its execution, regardless of whether passengers are charged.

Currently, motorcycle ride-hailing services are not sanctioned in Taiwan, although car ride-hailing is permitted. In response to Uber's announcement, the Taipei Taxidrivers Union and the Taiwan Digital Platform Reservation and Pickup Workers Union condemned the project. They cited a Ministry of Transportation and Communications warning that matching passengers with motorcycle rides constitutes an illegal business, carrying fines up to NT$25 million (US$784,412).

The unions viewed Uber's initiative as a direct challenge to the law and urged the Highway Bureau to enforce regulations strictly. They also called on the Ministry of Economic Affairs to consider revoking Uber's business registration and investment permit.

Uber, in its statement, did not address the program's legal controversies. Instead, the company highlighted safety measures established with its partner, Rides Formosa Co., Ltd. Uber assured that all participating drivers meet safety standards and that helmets would be provided to passengers. The Uber app also features driver verification and safety tools like route deviation detection.

Despite Uber's claims, the unions insist that the program, marketed as a "cultural experience," is essentially a passenger transportation service not permitted under current laws. They expressed concerns from licensed taxi and ride-hailing drivers who comply with existing regulations.

The unions have appealed to Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an to oppose the project, urging Uber to halt the pilot. They recommended establishing a task force and hotline for reporting violations, with incentives for informants. The unions also criticized Uber for shifting legal risks to participants, calling them "guinea pigs" for testing legal boundaries.