SA transport minister slams Uber

South Australia's transport minister has launched a blistering attack on Uber, saying he's looking forward to working with its competitors.

Uber has threatened to abandon plans to bring its UberX service to SA, claiming it will cost too much and take too long for drivers to get on the road.

Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan believes Uber is trying to bully the government into lowering regulatory standards.

He lashed out at the ride-sharing company after meeting with representatives in Adelaide on Thursday afternoon.

"Disappointing approach from Uber. (Meeting) finished after less than 10 minutes. Looking forward to working with their competitors instead," he tweeted.

In a later statement, Mr Mullighan said the Uber representatives had left the meeting after he asked them to explain their "misinformation" about the SA market.

Uber said it was disappointing the government "does not want to sit down and discuss these issues calmly and rationally."

"The government made it clear that they were not willing to engage in a meaningful discussion about the roadblocks to economic opportunity in South Australia and appeared to make veiled threats instead," an Uber spokesperson said.

"We are open to working with government but today they slammed the door in our faces."

Both sides have accused the other of providing misleading figures about the operating costs for potential UberX drivers in SA.

The government said drivers would pay about $600 for accreditation in SA, a figure "comparable" to drivers in the ACT.

By the government's admission, drivers in the ACT can pay as little as $285 depending on their choice of compulsory third-party insurance providers.

Uber has claimed it will cost drivers in SA up to $1000 to set up, although this figure has been found to have included some cost duplications.

The government's taxi industry reforms will allow ride-sharing providers to operate from July 1, with drivers required to undergo police and working with children checks.