 "Banned in Delhi, Uber sued in Portland for operating service illegally")
International taxi-bookingservice Uber, which has been banned in Delhi after a womanpassenger accused one of its drivers of rape, has been sued bythe US city of Portland for operating its service illegally.
The city of Portland in Oregon sued Uber, three daysafter the California-based ride sharing service launched itswidely publicised service last Friday.
In its lawsuit, the city of Portland asked the court todeclare that the ride provider is subject to city regulationsand can’t operate in until it complies with city rules.
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The Portland Mayor Charlie Hales, argued that the city’smain concern is public health and safety.
“Our main concern is public health and safety, becausethe state invested in the cities the responsibility to dothat. Beyond that, though, is the issue of fairness. Taxi cabcompanies follow rules on public health and safety,” he said.
“So do hotels and restaurants and construction companiesand scores of other service providers. Because everyoneagrees: good regulations make for a safer community. Uberdisagrees, so we’re seeking a court injunction,” Hales said.
After the lawsuit was filed, Transportation CommissionerSteve said the city is prepared to issue civil and criminalpenalties against Uber and its drivers for operating withoutrequired permits and inspections.
Portland requires permits for drivers and companies thatoffer taxi or executive sedan service within the city limits.
“If Uber thinks there should be no maximum price on whatthey charge Portlanders, they should make their case to thePortland City Council. If Uber thinks taxi companies shouldn’thave to serve people with disabilities, they should make theircase. If Uber thinks taxis should not have to have properinsurance in case of a crash, they should tell us why weshould allow that,” Novick said.
The lawsuit asked the Court to order Uber to stopoperating in Portland until it is in compliance with theCity’s safety, health and consumer protection rules.
Earlier another city in Oregon - Eugene - had asked Uberto cease its operation.Uber was banned from operating in Delhi after thepassenger accused one of its drivers of rape.
Similarly, Dutch judges banned UberPOP, which allowsnon-professional drivers to register with Uber via amobile phone and offer trips in their own cars at half theprice of a regular cab.
PTI