Seattle taxi drivers sue ridesharing service

A Seattle-area taxi drivers organization has sued an app-based ridesharing service, alleging that Uber violates multiple laws and regulations, thus harming taxi drivers and the public.

The Seattle Times reports the lawsuit filed Monday by the Western Washington Taxicab Operators Association contends Uber is involved in "unlawful and deceptive business practices." Court documents allege that unlike the taxi drivers, Uber's drivers don't comply with legal requirements set by Seattle, King County and Washington state for the personal transportation industry.

In a statement, Uber Seattle general manager Brooke Steger says the ride service remains "focused on connecting people with the safest and most reliable transportation options in Seattle."

The lawsuit seeks damages.

The Seattle City Council recently approved regulations to limit the number of drivers for uberX, Uber's lower-cost ride service, and other ride-service companies. The lawsuit doesn't mention other vehicle services.

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