Uber has confirmed that its operations continue to run normally today despite a protest held by TVDE drivers and operators in Lisbon. The demonstrators are demanding higher fare rates, the exclusion of taxis from the rideshare sector, and financial support to cope with rising fuel costs.
More than two hundred drivers gathered at Campo Pequeno this morning before marching toward the Bolt headquarters on Avenida da Liberdade, with plans to reach the Parliament building later in the afternoon.
In a formal statement regarding the grievances, Uber Portugal emphasized its respect for the right to protest, provided it is conducted safely and maintains public order. The company stated that service levels remain stable, as is typical during such events.
Uber noted that it maintains an ongoing, constructive dialogue with drivers and fleet partners, pointing to a recent pioneer agreement with the SINDEL union, affiliated with the UGT, that provides income guarantees and insurance coverage for drivers.
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Regarding the demand for higher fares, the company clarified that simply raising prices does not automatically lead to increased earnings, particularly when consumers are already facing widespread inflation.
Uber argues that the focus should instead remain on reducing operational costs, such as fleet electrification, which the company claims can cut fuel or energy costs per kilometer by over 60 percent. According to the company, maintaining a balance between supply and demand is crucial for the sector’s sustainability; fares must be accessible for passengers while remaining rewarding for drivers and operators.
The platform also reiterated that trip details are transparently displayed to drivers before they accept, allowing them to make independent decisions without fear of penalties. Furthermore, Uber highlighted that the sector continues to show strong growth and investor confidence.
Citing data from the Institute for Mobility and Transport, the company reported that the number of drivers and operators grew by 5.6 percent and 23.2 percent respectively between March 2025 and March 2026.
Additionally, the company noted that while the total number of TVDE vehicles has risen by 6.6 percent, the number of electric vehicles has surged by 67 percent during that same period, reflecting a significant shift in the composition of the fleet.
