Senators limit cars provided under loan-for-use agreements to one per Uber and Bolt operator

The Senate has adopted a bill limiting each authorized alternative transport operator, such as Uber and Bolt, to using just one car under a loan-for-use agreement. The initiative will be sent to the Chamber of Deputies, which will have the final vote.

The bill, initiated by former Transport Minister Ciprian Constantin Șerban, aims to reduce the risk of tax evasion and increase transparency in the alternative transport sector. In its initial form, the legislation provided for the complete removal of cars held under loan-for-use agreements from the category of eligible vehicles.

The initiators argue that such agreements can make it more difficult to identify the actual beneficiary of the income and may allow economic relationships to be concealed, especially when they are concluded between affiliated persons or members of the same family.

Another argument put forward is the difference in the legal framework governing alternative transport and taxis. The authors believe that Uber and Bolt operators benefit from more permissive rules, which may create a competitive advantage and conditions for unfair competition.

The Competition Council recommended maintaining loan-for-use agreements for taxis as well, rather than eliminating or limiting them for alternative transport. Senators nevertheless opted for an intermediate solution: authorization may be issued for cars held in ownership, under a rental agreement, or for one car used under a loan-for-use agreement.