Broward County Orders Uber and Lyft to Cease Operations
Broward County has sent a letter to Uber and Lyft, warning the companies that their drivers are facing arrest and having their cars impounded. The letter outright tells them that they must "cease operations in Broward County'' until their drivers fall in line with county taxi laws and transportation regulations.via Uber
Uber, which has grown into a nationwide phenomenon and recently secured $1.2 billion in funding, has been a sore spot for local taxi cab drivers, who say the company plays by its own rules while poaching away customers. Lyft, which is also addressed in the letter, has accused Uber of taking away drivers.
Uber announced its arrival in Broward County in August.
See also: Uber Florida Bill Watered Down, but Company Launches New Campaign to Get It Approved
Customers have praised Uber for its convenience. To get an Uber ride, you simply download an app and pay a fixed fee. There's no dispatcher, as with conventional taxi or limousine services.
However, there are also no industry regulations placed on the drivers, which has been an issue with taxi cab companies across the country.
Earlier this year, Uber started a petition to get the Florida Legislature to approve a bill to allow its operations statewide. The petition ultimately failed.
And now the letter sent by Broward commissioners, which you can read in its entirety below, says that Uber and Lyft need to comply with county laws, such as having their drivers obtain chauffeur licenses, permits, and decals. There are also requirements for a separate set of decals to be allowed to transport customers to and from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport as well as Port Everglades.
Drivers must get a specific type of insurance and pay a fee to be permitted to transport people to and from the airport and port.
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