UberPop, the most popular service offered by American company Uber, will cease in Brussels as of 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, says its European boss Mark McGann, according to broadcasting network RTBF. Uber Belgium confirmed the news in an open letter to Rudi Vervoort, Minister-President of Brussels. The company will continue to develop its other service, UberX.
“We have scheduled the end of our UberPop service for Wednesday October 14th, 2015, at 11:59 p.m. This is the direct result of a recent court decision and will affect tens of thousands who were happy to use our affordable and reliable service in Brussels,” writes Filip Nuytemans, Managing Director of Uber Belgium, in his open letter.
“In spite of UberPop being suspended we would like to stress the fact that professional services such as our UberX platform are most definitely the future of the industry,” continues the letter. “Drivers working with UberX submit to safety checks prior to joining the service, are insured, and are fully authorised to rent out a vehicle with a driver. They file for VAT and pay the same contributions, taxes, and VAT as self-employed taxi drivers,” points out Mr. Nuytemans. “But legislation on taxi services and on car hire with drivers is currently hampering progress,” according to Uber, calling on Rudi Vervoort to further implement a regional taxi policy. Uber also confirmed it is appealing the court ruling dated September 23rd.
(Source: Belga)
