Florida Taxicab Association Calls on UberX and Lyft to Stop Operations Immediately - Citing Safety Concerns to Passengers

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Dec 26, 2014, 09:37 ET

ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Florida Taxicab Association (FTA) called on UberX and Lyft to cease operations in Florida and across the country immediately, after startling background and safety information was discovered on two drivers in Orlando, Florida.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, both Uber and Lyft have been operating illegally at Orlando International Airport (OIA) and within City limits for months. According to Orlando Weekly, the Orlando Police Department started issuing citations targeting drivers who utilize "peer to peer" apps at OIA and within City limits back in June.

Orlando Police issued the following citations on September 5, 2014 (obtained via public records request): Citation 14327 issued to a Lyft driver for operating illegally within the City; and Citation 14228 issued to an UBER driver for operating illegally within the City.

Additional public records information from the Orange County Clerk of Courts revealed both drivers had been arrested and each had received numerous citations in the "criminal and traffic case records" division of the Orange County Clerk of Courts. The Lyft driver's "traffic infractions" included: six (6) speeding violations, four (4) seat belt violations, two (2) red light/traffic control infractions, a failure for proper child restraint ticket, two (2) tickets for carless driving/cutting in, a ticket for no proof of registration and ticketed for inability to provide proof of insurance on two (2) occasions. The Uber driver's "traffic infractions" included: nine (9) speeding tickets, three (3) seatbelt violations, a ticket for failure to use "due care", a ticket for no proof of registration and a ticket for operating a motor vehicle with an expired tag.

Uber has come under fire recently for their background check system, and according to the New York Times, has been fighting "efforts against legislation requiring background checks as strong as those demanded of traditional taxis".

Recently, in "tech friendly" San Francisco, the District Attorney's office filed suit against Uber and Lyft. The suit claims the companies don't go far enough to protect its passengers, with District Attorney George Gascon accusing Uber of making false and misleading statements about how it protects consumers and engaging in business practices that violate California law. In particular Gascon pointed to Uber's criminal background checks, which he said were "completely worthless."

"Uber and Lyft drivers are not in compliance on background checks nor state mandated insurance coverage and the companies that put them on the road know it," said Louie Minardi, President of the Florida Taxicab Association. "We are coming into the busiest time of year in Florida and our residents and visitors are at risk."

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/florida-taxicab-association-calls-on-uberx-and-lyft-to-stop-operations-immediately--citing-safety-concerns-to-passengers-300014011.html

SOURCE Florida Taxicab Association (FTA)