Jacksonville lawmakers to tighten rules on Uber

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The City Council is gearing up for a fight with Uber and other smart phone apps that provide car service.

The rules committee decided Tuesday to increase fines and possibly impound cars of drivers who don't follow the rules.

Council members said Uber has thumbed its nose at the city by not following rules like background checks and inspections of the vehicles used.

Representatives from Uber were not at meeting, but a lobbyist for Lyft, a similar company, told council members they will work with the city. Others from the taxi cab industry said it is time for everyone to follow the same rules.

"Make the playing field level and make it fair for everybody," said Brad Braddock, general manger of Checker Cabs. "That's all we are asking for."

The full Jacksonville City Council will take up measure on Tuesday.  


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Jim Piggott is the reporter to count on when it comes to city government and how it will affect the community.