Uber service ‘banned’ in ritzy East Hampton

 

  • Uber service has been stopped in ritzy East Hampton, New York
  • The move went into effect Friday morning 
  • According to Uber, East Hampton requires drivers to have an office in the town so they can be licensed
  • Town Supervisor Larry Cantwell said ‘We had cabs coming from all over into the town to pick up a quick buck on the weekends and it created a problem in the community’ 
  • Though Uber rides cannot be called in East Hampton, drivers can take customers there as a destination
  • Customers may instead use upwards of 220 licensed taxis and vehicles 

Uber service has been stopped in ritzy East Hampton, New York, it emerged last week.

The move went into effect Friday morning, the Southampton Press reported.

The newspaper quoted an Uber email sent that day as saying ‘New rules would require every single Uber driver-partner to have an office in East Hampton to continue to hold their license, which is impossible for our partners.

‘As a result, riders like you will be unable to get reliable, safe rides in any part of East Hampton out to Montauk—effective immediately.

Uber service has been stopped in ritzy East Hampton, New York (file photo) 

Uber service has been stopped in ritzy East Hampton, New York (file photo)

‘We need your help to bring Uber back. Make your voice heard and contact Town Supervisor [Larry] Cantwell today—tell him you need Uber in East Hampton.’

Cantwell told the Southampton Press ‘In no way were these laws created with Uber in mind.

‘We had cabs coming from all over into the town to pick up a quick buck on the weekends and it created a problem in the community, especially in Montauk.

‘At one time, there were over 700 cabs that were licensed to do business in East Hampton.’

The newspaper reported though Uber rides cannot be called in East Hampton, drivers can take customers there as a destination.

Matt Wing, a representative for Uber, said in a statement issued to local media ‘For the last several summers, Uber obtained local licenses from the Town of East Hampton so residents could get reliable and affordable rides with the push of a button.

‘Unfortunately the East Hampton Town Supervisor and Town Board have changed the rules, banning Uber from the town and denying their constituents access to our service.’

Service change: This map shows where Uber cannot be hired 

Cantwell later told the Southampton Press over 100 phone calls and 600 emails have come into his office regarding the town code.

According to East Hampton Patch, the service cancellation took place after a meeting between East Hampton officials and Uber representatives.

Authorities earlier slapped over 20 drivers, accused of not having an East Hampton license, with misdemeanor charges, the website reported.

In a statement, Cantwell said ‘We applaud Uber for taking the responsible step of suspending their operations until such time that they comply with the Town’s licensing requirements.’

East Hampton Patch reported customers may instead use upwards of 220 licensed taxis and vehicles.

Source: Daily Mail

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