The Maine Wire
  • News
  • Commentary
  • The Blog
  • About
    • Contact
  • Investigations
  • Support the Maine Wire
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Trending News
  • Special Election Scheduled for June 9 for House District 29 to Fill Rep. Kathy Javner’s Seat
  • Maine Receives Nearly $50 Million in Federal Funding to Expand High-Speed Internet Access
  • State Police Confirm Deaths in Standish and Augusta Were Homicides, Identify Victims
  • New Gloucester Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud Scheme After Presenting Fake U.S. Treasury Checks
  • Fetherston: Stop Calling It Fraud – Call It What It Is: Theft
  • FBI Arrests ‘Key’ Participant In 2012 Benghazi Terror Attack
  • U.S. No. 1 Male Skier In History, Trained In Maine, Takes Second Shot After Failed Business
  • Duplicitous Portland Press Herald Blasts The Maine Wire For Reporting Possible Mass-Killing Fund Fraud
Facebook Twitter Instagram
The Maine Wire
Saturday, February 7
  • News
  • Commentary
  • The Blog
  • About
    • Contact
  • Investigations
  • Support the Maine Wire
The Maine Wire
Home » News » News » Maine Considers Setting Minimum Rate of Pay for Rideshare Drivers on Platforms Like Uber and Lyft
News

Maine Considers Setting Minimum Rate of Pay for Rideshare Drivers on Platforms Like Uber and Lyft

Libby PalanzaBy Libby PalanzaJanuary 20, 2026Updated:January 20, 2026No Comments3 Mins Read1K Views
Facebook Twitter Email LinkedIn Reddit
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email

Later this week, Augusta lawmakers are set to discuss a bill that would set a minimum rate of pay for rideshare drivers in Maine.

Under the proposed law, which originated as a concept draft, companies like Uber and Lyft would be required to pay drivers a minimum amount per trip based on either duration or length.

On a per-trip basis, drivers would be guaranteed at least $00.34 per minute or $1.17 per mile, whichever is greater, beginning on January 1, 2027. Alternatively, platforms would be allowed to pay drivers a flat fee of $3 per ride.

Starting in 2028, these amounts would be indexed to the cost of living in Maine, similar to how the state currently handles its minimum wage.

Click Here to Read the Full Text of LD 877

During a public hearing held last week, bill sponsor Rep. Eleanor Sato (D-Gorham) explained that the proposal aims to “ensure that Mainers working for [rideshare companies] are able to receive fair compensation for their work.”

“While drafting the language, I realized quickly that this policy area is quite different in comparison to others, because of the disparity in the power dynamic between worker and employer,” said Rep. Sato. “[Rideshare] drivers are gig workers who do not answer to a person, but to an app. An app that is run by a multi-billion dollar tech company out of Silicon Valley.”

Sato noted toward the end of her testimony that she hopes the language she offered will serve as a “starting point” for lawmakers, indicating a hope that it will “draw stakeholders out of the woodwork and bring them to the table.”

Rather than urging legislators to vote in support of the bill, Sato asked lawmakers to “support negotiations with stakeholders to get to draft legislation that works for [rideshare drivers], supports drivers, and uplifts Maine.”

Click Here to Read Rep. Sato’s Full Testimony

Testifying in opposition to the measure was a representative from the Chamber of Progress, a self-described “tech industry coalition devoted to a progressive society, economy, workforce, and consumer climate.”

The group argued in their statement shared with the committee that implementing minimum payment requirements would risk raising prices for Mainers who use rideshare services, as well as reducing opportunities for drivers and jeopardizing access in rural areas.

They go on to cite statistics from jurisdictions where similar laws have already been implemented revealing increased costs for riders and reduced flexibility for drivers due to the introduction of scheduling systems.

At the close of their testimony, the group suggests that lawmakers consider implementing a “portable benefits” program wherein drivers can accrue benefits across multiple platforms without “sacrificing their independent contractor status.”

“We share the goal of ensuring that rideshare drivers can earn a fair living,” Chamber of Progress said. “But the evidence is clear: in city after city, minimum pay mandates have backfired by raising prices for riders, compressing earnings for experienced drivers, and degrading service for everyone.”

Click Here to Read Chamber of Progress’ Full Testimony

Washington State, Minnesota, Massachusetts, and New York City, among others, have already set minimum rates for rideshare drivers.

A work session for LD 877 has been scheduled by the Legislature’s Labor Committee for Wednesday, January 21.

Click Here for More Information on LD 877

Art
Previous ArticleWoman LifeFlighted After Explosion, Structure Fire at Friendship Home; Fire Marshal Investigating
Next Article Bangor Man Arrested for Attempted Murder After Attacking His Neighbor With a Machete
Libby Palanza

Libby Palanza is a reporter for the Maine Wire and a lifelong Mainer. She graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Government and History. She can be reached at [email protected].

Subscribe to Substack

Related Posts

Special Election Scheduled for June 9 for House District 29 to Fill Rep. Kathy Javner’s Seat

February 6, 2026

New Gloucester Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud Scheme After Presenting Fake U.S. Treasury Checks

February 6, 2026

Fetherston: Stop Calling It Fraud – Call It What It Is: Theft

February 6, 2026

Leave A Reply

Subscribe to Substack
Recent News

Special Election Scheduled for June 9 for House District 29 to Fill Rep. Kathy Javner’s Seat

February 6, 2026

New Gloucester Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud Scheme After Presenting Fake U.S. Treasury Checks

February 6, 2026

U.S. No. 1 Male Skier In History, Trained In Maine, Takes Second Shot After Failed Business

February 6, 2026

Maine Considers Allowing Rental Car Companies to Obtain 2-Year Inspection Stickers

February 5, 2026

Portland Wants a New Name for Its Upcoming Eastern Waterfront Park — Public Submissions Open Until Feb. 27

February 5, 2026
Newsletter

News

  • News
  • Campaigns & Elections
  • Opinion & Commentary
  • Media Watch
  • Education
  • Media

Maine Wire

  • About the Maine Wire
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us
  • Submit Commentary
  • Complaints
  • Maine Policy Institute

Resources

  • Maine Legislature
  • Legislation Finder
  • Get the Newsletter
  • Maine Wire TV

Facebook Twitter Instagram Steam RSS
  • Post Office Box 7829, Portland, Maine 04112

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.