New York City Cabbies Seek Cap On Uber Cars In Big Apple
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) – While San Francisco-based Uber has experienced major growth in a few short years, New York City's taxi industry is looking to impose a cap on how many cars can belong to the ridesharing service in the Big Apple.
According to USA Today, the cap would restrict the number of livery cabs, also known as black cars, until they can study the impact of the vehicles on traffic, parking and pollution.
"It's remarkable that this one company is able to put vehicles on the road willy-nilly without anyone saying what this means for traffic conditions or parking or the environment," Tweeps Phillips of the Committee for Taxi Safety told the newspaper.
Uber spokesperson Matthew Wing disputed the taxi industry's statement, saying "The facts clearly show that Uber is changing New York City's transportation ecosystem for the better."
Earlier this week, New York City's Taxi and Limousine Commission announced that there are more Uber cars than taxicabs, an impressive feat considering that Uber had zero cars in New York City less than four years ago.
City officials said there are more than 14,000 vehicles affiliated with Uber. By comparison, there are about 13,500 traditional taxicabs. Uber began operating in the city's five boroughs in 2011. The number of taxis has been limited by New York City law since the 1930s.
As Uber grows, the ridesharing app is facing legal challenges around the world. Last month, Germany banned UberPop, a cheaper service similar to UberX.