Zahid Arab, public policy and communications manager for Uber, said that Oregon's proposed Senate Bill (SB) 1166 would establish some of the nation's highest compensation rates for rideshare drivers. This statement was made during a public hearing.
"When it comes to SB 1166, we're concerned," said Arab, Public Policy and Communications Representative. "It seeks to set minimum per-mile and per-minute rates. Make no mistake, the compensation rates in this proposal are among the highest in the country. These rates far outpace the rideshare models."
According to KOIN, multiple rideshare drivers and legislators expressed strong support for SB 1166. Stephanie King, a driver based in Portland, testified that drivers in Portland earn 40–60% less than those in other Oregon cities and reported losing $1,600 per month in income. Another driver, Nathaniel Hudson-Hartman, shared his experience of being terminated without explanation and emphasized the need for an appeals process—issues that the bill aims to address.
Yahoo reports that Senate Bill 1166 was introduced by Oregon Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber and seeks to establish statewide standards for rideshare driver compensation and protections. The bill includes provisions for minimum per-mile and per-minute pay, paid sick leave, and a formal appeals process for terminations. Supporters argue it provides essential labor protections, while Uber and Lyft contend it would result in some of the highest operational costs in the country.
In 2023, CBS News reported that Minnesota lawmakers passed a similar bill establishing minimum pay standards for rideshare drivers. This led Uber to announce plans to end service across most of the state, with Lyft also warning of a potential shutdown if the bill became law. Governor Tim Walz ultimately vetoed the legislation due to concerns about reduced transportation access and negative impacts on drivers' earning opportunities—concerns now echoed by Uber and Lyft regarding Oregon’s SB 1166.
Uber's internal analysis of Seattle's 2022 driver and courier pay regulations indicated that while earnings per trip increased for active drivers, completed trips decreased by 30% due to reduced rider demand. Arab reported that fewer trips and higher prices limited customer access and reduced opportunities for drivers overall—demonstrating how well-intentioned policies can yield mixed outcomes.
Arab serves as Uber’s public policy and communications representative, frequently acting as a spokesperson during public hearings and media engagements on regulatory issues. Before joining Uber, he spent over a decade as a television news anchor and reporter across major U.S. markets. His communication background informs his role in navigating policy disputes between Uber and local or state governments.