Uber And Lyft Ordered To Stop Service In Pennsylvania

Ridesharing services Uber and Lyft have both received a new blow (and, subsequently, battleground) in their bid to change how we get shuttled from point A to B. Yesterday, two administrative judges ordered both services to cease operations in Pittsburgh effective immediately.

The order was made by Judges Mary D. Long and Jeffrey A. Watson, according to the Pittsburgh Business Times. The reason revolves around the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, with both Uber and Lyft needing to get authorization before they can resume offering their respective services in the state.

The Public Utility Commission, more commonly referred to as the PUC, filed a petition back on June 16 for a cease-and-desist order against both ridesharing services, effectively bringing them to a stop. The judges ruled in favor of this, requiring Uber and Lyft to stop while a review takes place.

The judges pointed towards issues of public safety, saying it necessitates the companies needing to get a certificate of public convenience issued by the related commission. As in the past, background checks, applicable insurance, and inspections are all cited as concerns.

Both rideshare services have one week to make their official response.

SOURCE: Philly.com