Goverment has no intention of banning Uber

Budapest, May 31 (MTI) – The Hungarian government is not looking to ban ride-hailing service Uber but simply wants to ensure that it competes fairly with taxi companies, a development ministry official said on Tuesday.

The government does not oppose modern transport solutions, János Fónagy said after a meeting with representatives of Uber, the tax and transport authorities and the interior ministry.

None of the transport regulations were created to ban Uber or any other ride-hailing service, he said. The rules are meant to ensure that companies doing business in Hungary comply with the country’s laws, Fonagy added.

Uber’s representatives argued at the meeting that their company is modern and innovative. Fónagy said the government never denied this but warned that being modern and innovative cannot be used as an excuse to act above the law.

They insisted that they want to keep operating in Hungary. Fonagy said he had reassured them that they could hold professional meetings to discuss compatibility with Hungarian regulations.