Taxi companies in Vancouver seek injunction to stop Uber, Lyft from operating

The companies claim that drivers are losing $100 a day in revenue

Vancouver taxi companies are seeking an injunction to stop Uber and Lyft from operating in the area, citing harm to their businesses.

There are a total of 9 companies who desire the court to suspend the rideshare services' apps until the B.C. Supreme Court hears a review from the Passenger Transportation Lath's (PTB) decision to approve their licenses.

The companies say that the PTB decision is going to lead to economic destruction for their businesses.

Kulwant Sahota, the president of Yellow Cab, told Global News that the taxi drivers are seeing a loss of $100 per twenty-four hour period, which is a thirty percent shift. He says that it's difficult to compete with larger fleet sizes, low prices and vouchers provided past Uber and Lyft.

The taxi companies say that they're non opposed to ridesharing services, but that they want a level playing field and similar limits on their fleet sizes.

Further, Uber argued in courtroom that taxi companies have had years to brand their business model more than competitive.

Uber has been facing significant pushback following its launch in Vancouver on January 24th. The mayor of Surrey is currently attempting to prevent Uber from operating in the urban center, and is issuing $500 fines per solar day.

In response to pushback from the mayor, Uber is taking legal action to stop the fines, and has requested the B.C. Supreme courtroom to grant an injunction against the city to stop officers from giving tickets to its drivers.

"The city'southward actions are unfair to local residents who want to earn money and support their families. It is also unfair to those who need a rubber, affordable and reliable ride," said Michael van Hemmen, the head of Uber in western Canada, in a contempo printing release.

Horgan also said the Rider Transportation Board has done a good task at balancing the interests of the public and the transportation industry.

Source: Global News