Taxi industry lawsuit against Uber transferred from state to US court

One thing of many in Uber's favor is that its customers are of relatively high socio-economic status, and the company treats them well. When they hear that the company is being sued by the taxi industry, they take note. It's personal. Taxi service has been bad for years, and everyone's been a victim of the absurd regulations which have lead to this sorry state. Elected officials have been accustomed to taking advantage of regulated industries through corrupt actions (anything related to building or zoning permits as an example) without significant blow-back via news coverage or loss of reputation. This time, it's different. Look at how Washington DC's attempt to draft anti-Uber legislation lead to a national response via phone calls and emails. The proposed legislation was dropped. I suspect Uber will eventually prevail in most of its markets, but the politicians will take awhile to realize that the public is taking interest in seemingly esoteric taxi regulations -- the sorts of laws which have been used for years to transfer money from the pockets of the electorate into the hands of those close to power. I feel like I'm supporting democracy and freedom when I hit the "request taxi" button in the morning -- it's an action more powerful than my vote.

If you follow some of the links, apparently the drivers often don't maintain the same level of insurance as they are compelled to under the taxi medallion laws.

It was smart for Uber to take it federal as they'd have an uphill climb in a local court.

In New York, cabbies are not allowed to refuse you ride a particular neighborhood either.

I never announce where I want to go before I get in (I have some friends in BKLN).

One time I did get a driver who bitched about having to take me somewhere. So I made an overt stretch to look at his details posted inside the car, and then pretended to be taking a note of it. He VERY quickly complied. I didn't have to say a word.

Uber must be doing something right to get this kind of trouble.

This is an example of a law that, I think, truly benefits the public. There is no reason that Uber should not be barred from discriminating based on pickup location or destination. At the same time, I think the taxi laws are generally in need of reform anyway, so maybe this whole situation will lead to better regulations overall.