Nevada is the latest state in the United States to put hurdles in the way of Uber with the District Court Judge in Carson City blocking the operations until at least Nov. 7.
Uber, the popular ridesharing service, is temporarily banned from operating within the borders of the state of Nevada. The ban was imposed by the District Court Judge James Russell in Carson City on Friday afternoon. As a result, Uber drivers must refrain from offering rides until at least Nov. 7, the Associated Press reports. The court's hearing is set for Nov. 6, where the proceedings of the case will decide Uber's future in the state.
Uber was launched in Nevada Friday, with its drivers allowed to pick up passengers from anywhere except the Las Vegas Strip between the Mandalay Bay and SLS casinos and from McCarran International Airport. The company has faced resistance from the state's highly influential taxi industry for it offers a cheaper alternative to customers in commutation.
"For far too long, the people of Nevada have been denied access to the reliable, safe and affordable transportation options millions of other Americans are enjoying," Michael Amodeo at Uber's Communications Department said in an email statement to AP. "We've already received overwhelming demand and support from thousands of residents who have downloaded the app, and drivers looking to meet that need. Now is the time for state officials to embrace innovation, support powerful job creation, and stand with the people of Nevada who need them most."
Uber spokesperson Eva Behrend said hundreds of drivers have passed security background checks required to register as an Uber driver to pick up passengers via the app. The launch of the service in Nevada imposes a stiff competition to the taxis in the state with their 10 to 20 percent cheaper fares. In Las Vegas, an 8 percent cab fare hike was approved.
Besides Nevada, Uber has a history of regulatory opposition. The service was banned in Germany last month. Uber was also sued in Chicago and got its first cease and desist orders in Virginia, Massachusetts and San Francisco. But Uber has overcome those hurdles by reaching a deal to let the ride-sharing service run in each region. It currently operates in 140 cities worldwide, including major U.S. cities like, New York, Boston and Providence, R.I., as well as small cities like Chapel Hill, N.C., Fairfield, Conn., and Palm Springs, Calif.
