Another Red Light for Uber and Lyft

ALBUQUERQUE (CN) - Internet ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft put customers at risk, traditional cab companies claimed in a class action lawsuit Tuesday.

More than 20 cab companies around the nation have sued Uber this year on similar charges.

Lead plaintiff Albuquerque Cab Co. claims that Uber's business clearly constitutes offering transportation services for hire and therefore should be regulated under the Motor Carrier Act.

But drivers for Uber and Lyft are not certified by the state, and so are not held to the same standards as drivers of traditional cabs.

Certificated drivers and their vehicles in New Mexico are held to standards to protect the public safety. Yet the plaintiffs cite an incident in which a Lyft driver collided with an Albuquerque Cab Company vehicle, but didn't provide insurance information or even his name.

The cabbies also point out that cab drivers are required by the Motor Carrier Act accept any customer without discrimination, whenever reasonable. Drivers for Uber and Lyft aren't required to hold to the same standards and so can pick and choose longer and more expensive fares, competing unfairly.

Lyft and Uber have been under a Cease and Desist Order from the Public Regulation Commission since May this year, ordering them to cease operations in New Mexico, but have continued operating despite the order, the cabbies say.

They seek a preliminary permanent injunction Uber, Lyft and Hinter-NM, and their drivers, and damages for lost revenue.

Albuquerque Cab Company, Yellow Checker Cab Company, Giant Cab, Socorro Taxi, Carey Southwest Limousine and Lucky Boyz Limousine are represented by Michael J. Cadigan and Kristina Caffery of Albuquerque.

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