The city of Toronto wants Uber taxi and limousine services shut down within city limits.
The five year old app-based taxi service provides five services including UberTaxi, UberBlack, UberSUV, UberX, and UberXL in which customers in over 200 cities can connect with drivers.
Uber customers request a ride and set up a time and location where they will be picked up and dropped off. They also receive a cost estimate.
On Nov. 17, Tracey Cook, executive director of the city’s municipal licensing and standards said during a press conference that Toronto filed an application for a court injunction seeking all Uber operations in the city be ceased.
“Uber has been operating since 2012 without a proper taxi brokerage license or a limousine brokerage license and since September of 2014 have been recruiting unlicensed drivers with unlicensed vehicles to provide taxi services,” Cook said.
Although there have been no complaints from Uber customers, Cook says Toronto’s first priority is the public.
“The city is concerned that Uber poses a serious risk to the public including those who are signing on as drivers,” Cook said.
In an email statement, Uber said the city is only hurting their consumers.
“Any attempt to restrict consumer choice and limit economic opportunity does nothing but hurt the thousands of residents and visitors who already rely on Uber for safe, affordable and reliable transportation. “
“We look forward to continuing to provide the people of Toronto with the Uber they know and love, as we continue to work with city officials to create a permanent home for Uber in Toronto,” Uber said.
The city of Toronto refused to make any further comments.