Braintree to Issue Cease and Desist Letters to Uber and Lyft Drivers

If Uber and Lyft drivers want to operate in Braintree, they’re going to have to abide by the same rules and regulations as traditional taxi cab companies.

With a 4-1 vote, the Braintree Licensing Commissioners voted to send a cease and desist order to all drivers operating as part of an electronic transportation company. If those drivers wish to operate in Braintree, they must request a hackney license from the commissioners and obtain the same background check and vehicle inspection imposed on taxi cabs.

The vehicle also must be registered and housed in Braintree for the driver to provide transportation out of and around Braintree. Rideshare vehicles registered outside of Braintree can still drop off customers in Braintree if they are transporting a customer from another town.

Attorney Jennifer Pinkham, who was representing Braintree Best Taxi, said drivers for Uber and Lyft were violating a town ordinance that states that any vehicle transporting a person from one point to another for a fee represents a livery or hackney service. Representatives from the two companies argued that the current bylaws do not address the business model of electronic transportation companies. Uber and Lyft do not own the vehicles used by their drivers, rather the operators are independent contractors who use their own vehicles.

Both sides said they are willing to work with the town to create new ordinances that would satisfy the taxi and rideshare companies.