Federal Judge Dismisses CT Taxi, Limo Lawsuit Against Uber

By WENDY ANN MITCHELL (Patch Staff)

A federal judge in Connecticut recently dismissed a lawsuit filed by a dozen local taxi and limousine companies to stop Uber from operating in the state, according to the Connecticut Law Tribune.

The complaint was filed by Mary Alice Moore Leonhardt, of Hartford’s Rome McGuigan, and claims that Uber ”cuts corners illegally and undermines critical safety provisions of Connecticut taxi and livery laws,” according to the report.

Leonhardt wrote in the complaint that “the defendants own no cars, no certificates, no permits, no plates, and employ no drivers. The defendants prefer to pay nothing for infrastructure and profit from the investment of lawful certificate, permit, and plate users.”

U.S. District Judge Alvin Thompson dismissed the lawsuit on Aug. 13, but is giving the plaintiffs 30 days to file an amended complaint.

Uber began service in Connecticut in April 2014. The free smart phone app allows users to get a ride from someone in their own car. It tells users who is coming, what kind of car they’re driving and the fare is cheaper than taxis and limos.

Sen. Michael McLachlan from Danbury told WTNH News in March that if you use your personal car like a taxi cab, you violate your insurance policy and won’t be covered should an accident occur.

Click here to read more on Connecticut Law Tribune’s website.

Photo: Uber iPhone app