Judge Orders UberX And Lyft To Cease And Desist In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA, PA — In the latest chapter of an ongoing squabble over their legality, a Common Pleas court judge has ordered ride-sharing services UberX and Lyft to shut down their operations within the city of Philadelphia.

The cease-and-desist order from Judge Linda Carpenter came on Thursday in the wake of a lawsuit from Taxi Workers Alliance of Pennsylvania and an announcement made by the Philadelphia Parking Authority.

“While we understand that TNC services (Uber X and Lyft) are very popular with the public and many elected officials want to see them continue, with the expiration of Act 85, TNC service in now illegal in Philadelphia and the PPA is committed to enforcing the law," Philadelphia Parking Authority Deputy Executive Director Corinne O'Connor said in a statement. "As a result, the PPA is providing 48 hour notice that it will resume enforcement against illegal TNC service in Philadelphia.”

In July, in the wake of SEPTA's Regional Rail fleet woes and the upcoming Democratic National Convention, Gov. Tom Wolf signed legislation temporarily authorizing Uber and Lyft to operate in the city. At the time, Wolf said he would call for legislation to permanently authorize the businesses there. However, that legislation — Act 85 — expired on Sept. 30, and the temporary ceasefire between the city and the popular ride-sharing services has seemingly ended.

Before July, Uber and Lyft had technically been illegal in the city, yet they continued to operate there anyway.

"We are reviewing the judge’s order," Craig Ewer, a spokesperson for Uber, said in a statement. "This order makes it even more clear that the clock has run out for Harrisburg to pass a comprehensive ridesharing bill. We’re calling upon leaders in the House to put ridesharing to a vote as soon as possible."

Ewer added that given "unanswered questions" about the order, Uber has not yet decided on whether or not it will eventually shut down operations in Philadelphia. For now, they will continue.

Lyft, similarly, said they would not shut down.

"Lyft was not given any notice or opportunity to be heard on this issue before today's ruling," Chelsea Harrison, a Lyft spokesperson, said in an email to Patch. "We are appealing the order and will continue operating in Philadelphia as the legal process moves forward. People in Pennsylvania want access to ridesharing, and we remain committed to finding a statewide solution that keeps this modern option available across the state."

In July, the company seemed optimistic it would settle on a permanent solution before the legislation expired. "We look forward to working with the General Assembly in the fall to pass comprehensive ridesharing legislation, ensuring that Philadelphia has access to options like uberX and uberPOOL for the long term and providing the certainty needed for Uber to extend the benefits of ridesharing to all Pennsylvanians," the company said in a statement then.

The conflict has been ongoing for years and has been fought on several fronts. Cabs have protested the loss of business and their alleged unequal treatment by the city. Several cab-organized demonstrations during the past 18 months have shut down traffic around City Hall. Specifically, protesters allege that Uber X and Lyft run “illegal” operations, and that for as long as they have existed, they have spent money on licenses and training which they say Uber X and Lyft ignore.

Cab companies are also supported by advocates of handicapped individuals, who claim that UberX and Lyft do not provide enough handicap-accessible vehicles. Uber adamantly rejects these claims.

“Riders with disabilities can get a ride in minutes through Uber, while they’re often left stranded by taxi services," Ewer said. "Although we are always looking for new ways to better serve all individuals who are disabled, Uber has in fact been praised by the author of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for increasing the mobility and freedom of drivers and riders with disabilities.”

Wolf, who had said he would support making legislation authorizing Uber in the city permanent, recently asked the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office to investigate the Philadelphia Parking Authority, which happens to be the agency enforcing the restriction of ride-sharing services in the city. While there does not appear to be a connection on the surface, Wolf noted "disturbing and unacceptable accounts of alleged sexual harassment and assault perpetrated by the agency’s executive director, and potentially ignored by the board."

This is a breaking story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Image courtesy Uber