BOISE, Idaho — Two drivers for the ride-sharing company Uber that Boise officials say picked up passengers but did not have commercial transport service licenses have been cited.
City spokesman Mike Journee said that code enforcement officers used the ride-hailing app to get rides over the weekend and issued the special citations.
He said the citations will be forwarded to the city attorney to determine if any fines are appropriate. The drivers could face fines up to $1,000 and loss of their driver’s license.
“There are standards we’ve established,” Journee said. “They are trying to provide a public transportation service and therefore they must abide by city code.”
The city on Dec. 31 sent the company a cease and desist letter after city officials said Uber ignored its promise to not charge for driver services within city limits while negotiating an operating agreement.
According to the city, Uber activated its “pay feature” on its app so that drivers could charge passengers — essentially operating like a business even though it didn’t have a proper license.
City officials are seeking to make sure Uber drivers meet city standards. Standards include background checks, properly inspected vehicles that are safe for public transportation, proper insurance to protect riders from liability, and a clear way for Uber customers to make complaints to the city.
Uber has previously said it’s working to craft ride-sharing regulations with the city.
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