Bonett warns Uber faces licence suspension over failure to comply with new Y-plate rules<\/p>\n
Transport Minister Chris Bonett has warned that Uber risks having its operating licence suspended unless it complies with new regulations governing Malta’s Y-plate sector.<\/p>\n
In a Facebook post, the minister said amendments to the law came into force on Wednesday but alleged that Uber had failed to implement a number of required changes.<\/p>\n
Bonett said that, among other issues, the ride-hailing platform had “without any legal basis” prevented self-employed drivers and small operators from working.<\/p>\n
He said Transport Malta was taking all legal steps available to ensure compliance.<\/p>\n
“If Uber fails to comply within the timeframes established by law, Transport Malta will proceed to suspend the company’s operating licence,” Bonett said.<\/p>\n
He added that Uber had been aware of the legislative changes for months, noting that the reforms had been drafted following discussions with ride-hailing platforms, fleet operators and both employed and self-employed drivers.<\/p>\n
“The laws were written to strengthen the sector and enhance the credibility of this service as a reliable and effective alternative means of transport,” Bonett said, adding that Uber’s actions were harming both the industry and its workers.<\/p>\n
The warning comes after the government introduced a package of reforms aimed at overhauling the Y-plate sector.<\/p>\n
Among the new measures, Transport Malta has been granted the power to enforce a maximum 12-hour daily driving limit for cab drivers through access to real-time data from ride-hailing platforms. Drivers who exceed the limit face escalating penalties, including warnings, fines of up to €500 and the possible suspension of their driver tag.<\/p>\n