Brussels minister to examine whether UberX meets regulations

Brussels mobility minister Pascal Smet is investigating whether UberX satisfies the city's legislation around ride-hailing services. Uber launched the new 'high-end' taxi service on Thursday with 20 drivers, despite its original service being banned in the capital.

While many passengers find Uber convenient because it connects passengers with drivers via a smartphone app, many rival taxi drivers are fearful about losing business.

The new UberX works only with professional drivers who have undergone medical tests and are up-to-date with their tax and social security contributions. Moreover, the new service has a license to rent a vehicle with driver. That means that the drivers have to perform at least three hours a day. "So we're okay with the regulations," assured Uber on Thursday.

The Brussels taxi sector, meanwhile, has reacted with caution. "We are open to improvement in the sector, but there are laws to be followed. It is not possible to have two different sets of regulations for similar services. For example, taxis are subject to fixed rates while Uber works with 'dynamic' rates," said Pierre Steenberghen, Secretary General of the National Group for car and taxi companies and rental with driver (GTL-Taxi).