Phila. police could start arresting UberX drivers

Philadelphia police may arrest UberX drivers, who already face $1,000 civil fines and impoundment of their cars by the Philadelphia Parking Authority, says the president of the police officers' union, who also sits on an advisory committee of the authority.

The Parking Authority, which regulates taxis and limousines in the city, has nabbed 11 drivers, issued $1,000 fines to each, and seized their cars as illegal taxis since UberX launched its ride-sharing service in Philadelphia on Oct. 24.

None of the 11 was arrested by police. And a Police Department spokeswoman on Friday said the Uber fight "is more of a licensing issue," and referred questions to the Parking Authority.

Uber is a San Francisco company that links people looking for rides with car owners looking for extra money. Phone apps allow riders to summon a private car, pay for the service, and get a receipt, all electronically.

The popular service has touched off battles with regulators and taxi operators in cities across the United States and Europe. When Uber began operations in Philadelphia last month, Mayor Nutter welcomed the service, saying, "I am supportive of them being here legally, operating within requirements of the law."

John J. McNesby, president of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, said in a statement that "potential UberX drivers should be alerted to the fact that not only are they committing a civil offense, punishable by a $1,000 fine, they are also committing a misdemeanor offense, punishable by a fine of $2,500 and/or a one-year sentence."

McNesby is a member of the advisory committee of the Parking Authority's Taxi and Limousine Division.

"As police officers, we do not make the laws," McNesby said. "We are sworn to uphold them. The UberX operation in Philadelphia is illegal. Plain and simple. The Philadelphia Parking Authority is upholding the law by trying to shut down this illegal taxi operation."

State law provides that operating an illegal taxi is a non-traffic summary offense punishable by up to a $500 fine and 90 days in jail for the first offense, and a third-degree misdemeanor for each subsequent offense, punishable by up to a $2,500 fine and a year in jail.

Uber spokesman Taylor Bennett responded Friday, saying, "The PPA's actions are intentionally harmful and transparently anticompetitive. Deliberating attacking consumer choice to protect Big Taxi's wallet is a disservice to the people of Philadelphia who deserve greater transportation options.

"We have tried to work with the PPA to craft sensible ride-sharing rules, but their response to carve out Philadelphia from any [state] regulations is illogical, self-serving and does nothing to benefit consumers."