Cab drivers blocked up the streets around City Hall to protest the ongoing illegal use of Uberservices in Philly.
Cab drivers licensed by the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) have demanded the city increase enforcement of unlicensed UberX drivers providing cab services, which they say is destroying their business. The last such protest was just six weeks ago, demonstrating cabbies’ increasing anger with the situation. Even Uber Black drivers, who are licensed like PPA drivers and provide a higher-end Uber service, have joined with the PPA to protest UberX. SomeUber Black drivers have even sued Uberover the cheaper competition they face from UberX. Legislation to legalize Uber X in Philadelphia is tied up onits way through the legislative process in Harrisburg. Uber released a statement defending itself after the protest took place.
““Philadelphia has shown tremendous demand for more affordable options like uberX, and the Mayor as well as the City Council have expressed their support for ridesharing,” Uber said in the statement. “At the same time, the taxi industry has resisted competition and innovation at every turn, even going so far as working with the PPA to make sure Philadelphia is excluded from the regulations that currently govern uberX in 66 out of 67 counties in Pennsylvania.”
Taxi cabs are fighting Uber back! Lol crazy taxi cab protest in Center City Philly.
— Mel HoneyBee (@HoneyBiz_Mel) February 11, 2016
Taxis protest Uber in Philly. pic.twitter.com/Tz07Fr0Mrb
— Bob Fernandez (@bobfernandez1) February 11, 2016
All drivers out of vehicles for a sit down. #philly @CruzT62 @RosemaryConnors PPD Keeping peace #uber protest pic.twitter.com/2iSXLdYzhP
— B. Ryan (@Unit8X) February 11, 2016
