Subcommittee advances bill setting a minimum pay formula for rideshare drivers after heated testimony
February 06, 2026 | 2026 Legislature VA, Virginia
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The House Transportation Subcommittee reported HB 1003 as amended after lengthy testimony from rideshare drivers, labor and industry groups over whether the state should set a pay floor for app‑based drivers.
Sponsor Delegate Tran said the bill establishes a standardized rate card that guarantees minimum compensation: “a minimum compensation of at least $6 for any transportation of a passenger,” with a base pay of $2, $1.50 per mile and $0.50 per minute, plus provisions to protect drivers for canceled trips and to ensure tips go 100% to drivers. The measure also ties minimum compensation levels to annual inflation adjustments.
Drivers from across the Commonwealth testified that per‑mile driver pay has fallen and that the bill would restore predictability and safety for drivers who work long hours. Sanjeev Vashish, a driver, told the committee that driver pay per mile had dropped roughly 25% while operating costs rose about 30%. Mitchell of the DMV Drivers Alliance and ACE Collaborative urged passage on behalf of drivers who rely on rideshare income.
Industry groups and trade associations urged caution. The Chamber of Progress warned the rule could raise rider prices and reduce driver opportunities, citing outcomes in Seattle and other jurisdictions; Uber and Lyft representatives said mandatory rate cards risk returning platforms to a taxi‑style model that could reduce flexibility and availability. Josh Humphreys (Lyft) and Edward Mullen (Uber) said transparency measures are a preferable path and urged alternative solutions like portable benefits pilots.
Action: After debate and exchanges between drivers, the sponsor and industry, the subcommittee reported HB 1003 as amended on a 5‑3 vote. The bill language reported included the rate card and protections but may be adjusted further in subsequent committee stages.
What to watch: Advocates said the trip and weekly reporting bills that the committee is also advancing could provide the data needed to evaluate platform economics; the sponsor and opponents signaled willingness to negotiate on implementation details.
Sponsor Delegate Tran said the bill establishes a standardized rate card that guarantees minimum compensation: “a minimum compensation of at least $6 for any transportation of a passenger,” with a base pay of $2, $1.50 per mile and $0.50 per minute, plus provisions to protect drivers for canceled trips and to ensure tips go 100% to drivers. The measure also ties minimum compensation levels to annual inflation adjustments.
Drivers from across the Commonwealth testified that per‑mile driver pay has fallen and that the bill would restore predictability and safety for drivers who work long hours. Sanjeev Vashish, a driver, told the committee that driver pay per mile had dropped roughly 25% while operating costs rose about 30%. Mitchell of the DMV Drivers Alliance and ACE Collaborative urged passage on behalf of drivers who rely on rideshare income.
Industry groups and trade associations urged caution. The Chamber of Progress warned the rule could raise rider prices and reduce driver opportunities, citing outcomes in Seattle and other jurisdictions; Uber and Lyft representatives said mandatory rate cards risk returning platforms to a taxi‑style model that could reduce flexibility and availability. Josh Humphreys (Lyft) and Edward Mullen (Uber) said transparency measures are a preferable path and urged alternative solutions like portable benefits pilots.
Action: After debate and exchanges between drivers, the sponsor and industry, the subcommittee reported HB 1003 as amended on a 5‑3 vote. The bill language reported included the rate card and protections but may be adjusted further in subsequent committee stages.
What to watch: Advocates said the trip and weekly reporting bills that the committee is also advancing could provide the data needed to evaluate platform economics; the sponsor and opponents signaled willingness to negotiate on implementation details.
Don't Miss a Word: See the Full Meeting!
Go beyond summaries. Unlock every video, transcript, and key insight with a Founder Membership.
✓
Get instant access to full meeting videos
✓
Search and clip any phrase from complete transcripts
✓
Receive AI-powered summaries & custom alerts
✓
Enjoy lifetime, unrestricted access to government data
30-day money-back guarantee
