Zahid Arab, a Public Policy and Communications Representative for Uber, said that Senate Bill 1166 could reduce rideshare demand and negatively impact driver earnings. He expressed concerns that the bill would disproportionately affect low-income and senior Oregonians who rely on the service. Arab made these remarks during a hearing.
"We know this proposal will reduce demand," said Arab. "Which will directly impact driver earning opportunities at the same time."
Senate Bill 1166, introduced by Oregon Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber, seeks to establish uniform statewide rules for rideshare driver pay and protections. According to Yahoo News, the proposal includes minimum per-mile and per-minute wages, guaranteed paid sick leave, and a structured appeals process for driver deactivations. While advocates argue that the bill provides essential labor safeguards, Uber and Lyft contend it would impose some of the most expensive operational requirements in the nation.
According to Uber, Seattle’s PayUp legislation has led to increased costs for consumers and fewer opportunities for workers. The company reports that per-order fees rose by nearly $5 to comply with the law, contributing to a 30% drop in order volume and a 17% decline in active couriers. Although earnings per trip technically increased, total driver earnings in Seattle have fallen due to decreased demand. Uber argues that the ordinance’s cost assumptions are unrealistic and ultimately reduce economic opportunity for workers.
In an op-ed published by Flexible Work News, Uber Eats driver Camden Cao recounted the personal effects of Seattle's PayUp and Fare Share laws on his livelihood. Cao explained how these regulations led to significant price hikes for consumers, a sharp drop in order volumes, and drastically reduced work opportunities for drivers. As a result, his income fell so steeply that he now fears losing his housing. Cao criticized the fixed-wage model imposed by the legislation, warning it disproportionately harms low-income workers who depend on gig work flexibility.
Arab serves as Uber’s public policy and communications representative and frequently acts as the company’s spokesperson during public hearings and media discussions on regulatory matters. Before joining Uber, Arab worked as a television news anchor and reporter in major U.S. markets for over ten years.