Uber Suspends Operations in East Hampton

East Hampton Town announced on Friday that Uber, a mobile app that connects riders with a taxi, private car or rideshare from their mobile phone, has suspended operations in East Hampton immediately.

The suspension comes in response to complaints of Uber being partnered with unlicensed taxis and vehicles for hire, according to the Town.

“We applaud Uber for taking the responsible step of suspending their operations until such time that they comply with the Town’s licensing requirements,” Cantwell said. “The Town will not tolerate any vehicles not complying with our regulations, nor will we allow drivers to be sleeping in vehicles for hire, obstructing traffic and taking up limited parking spaces in hamlet centers that should be available for residents and visitors.”

Uber representatives met with East Hampton Town Supervisor Larry Cantwell and Town enforcement officials on Friday to inform them of their decision.

The meeting was called after more than 20 drivers—all claiming to be partnered with Uber— were being charged with unclassified misdemeanors for operating as vehicles for hire without a proper Town license.

“Our local law recognizes that the transportation of persons by motor vehicles available for hire in the Town of East Hampton is a vital service which must be licensed and regulated in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of individuals using such services and the community as a whole,” Councilman Peter Van Scoyoc, the Town Board’s liaison for taxi issues said.

According to Cantwell, there are over 220 licensed taxis and vehicles for hire and other public transportation options available within the town event without Uber in the market.

“For the last several summers, Uber obtained local licenses from the town of East Hampton so residents could get reliable and affordable rides with the push of a button,” company spokesman Matt Wing told 27east. “Unfortunately the East Hampton Town Supervisor and Town Board have changed the rules, banning Uber from the town and denying their constituents access to our service.”

At about noon on Friday, Uber sent an e-mail to all registered riders which asked them to lobby the town to change the licensing law, according to 27east.

“Today, the East Hampton Town supervisor is banning Uber,” the email read according to 27east. “New rules would require every single Uber driver-partner to have an office in East Hampton to continue to hold their license, which is impossible for our partners. As a result riders like you will be unable to get reliable, safe rides in any part of East Hampton out to Montauk—effective immediately. We need your help to bring Uber back. Make your voice heard and contact Town Supervisor Cantwell today—tell him you need Uber in East Hampton.”