Officials Say Uber Won't Fly At Newark Airport, Other City Transportation Hubs
NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Newark is saying no to Uber.
Starting next week, the city is banning the app-based car service from pickups and drop-offs at its major transit hubs.
As CBS2's Meg Baker reported, opening up an app and getting picked up at Newark Liberty International Airport may not be easy anymore.
On Monday, Uber may not be able to operate at the airport anymore.
Drivers were told they could be towed in or around the airport, and by Penn Station.
"Many rider tell me, many drivers don't like to go there, refuse, don't want to go there," an Uber driver named Karim said.
Karim lives and drives in New Jersey and hopes to keep doing so.
"People have to change with technology. This is just new technology, it's going to affect businesses," he said.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said it's a licensing issue.
"It's inherently difficult to enforce our ordinances when Uber does not follow them. The State of New Jersey needs to step in to create legislation and policy to regulate this matter," he said in a statement.
Yuguang Feng, an Uber driver, said he gets why the city is cracking down.
"Traditional taxi drivers they lose money. No good for them, their business was cut out," he said.
Jeff Shanker, the president of the Limousine association of New Jersey said he supports the crackdown.
"We are thankful authorities are recognizing illegal operations of the company and that public safety is in jeopardy. Lack of insurance, lack of background, fingerprint checks, medical testing, that all other for hire drivers comply with," he said.
"Every single Uber ride is covered by $1.5 million of commercial liability insurance, and all drivers must undergo an extensive pre-screening before they can get on the road," the company said in a statement. "Instead of trying to restrict competition and consumer choice, Newark should be welcoming the thousands of drivers who use Uber to earn income and support their families."
