Two New York agencies took their battle with the Lyft ridesharing service to the next leve todayl.
The New York attorney general and the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) jointly filed a temporary restraining order against Lyft today. Lyft had planned on launching its service in two New York City boroughs Friday night.
From the (colorfully worded) restraining order:
“As it has done in every other city in which it operates, defendant has simply waltzed into New York and set up shop while defying every law passed whose very purpose is to protect the People of the State of New York.
“Despite being warned and told to cease and desist by three separate regulatory and environment agencies, defendant has thumbed its nose at the law and continued with its plans to launch in what could become its largest market.”
The city's Taxi & Limousine Commission issued a statement Thursday saying Lyft is not authorized to have its drivers picking up passengers in the city.
Lyft announced its plans to launch in New York on Wednesday, as TLC and the New York attorney general were trying to decide whether Lyft posed some safety threat to New Yorkers.
Also, earlier this week the TLC warned Lyft drivers that, if caught picking up passengers, they could be issued a $2,000 fine.
Like Uber, Lyft lets people order up a ride from a registered driver using their smartphones.
Use a free or cheap marketing automation system? Tell us what's great about it (and not so great), and we'll share survey data from everyone else with you.
Lyft is a friendly, safe, and affordable transportation option. Just tap a button and in minutes you'll be riding in the front seat with a new friend. Our Lyft community drivers have been background checked and personality screened t... read more »
