Ever since its inception in 2009, Uber has been under the microscope for mostly the wrong reasons. Issues including calls to arrest the CEO, dangerous driving, privacy, passenger (and driver) safety have led to lawsuits and multiple PR nightmares for the company.
Amid all the controversies, you can be forgiven for forgetting that Uber is one of the most successful tech start-ups in the last few years, attempting to grow the business and expand into other areas. Heck, they even have a Windows Phone app!
But as predictable and expected as the sun rising and setting, Uber is in the news for the wrong reasons, again being sued by some person or persons who feel its business practices are less than reputable. This time it’s taxi drivers in Toronto, Canada who are looking for damages of C$400m ($307m or £198m).
The cab driver plaintiff, named as Dominc Konjevic, brought the case forward with law firm Sutts, Strosberg LLP and they aim to represent all taxi drivers in the Ontario province. The parties claim that the Uber X and Uber XL services have created an ”enormous marketplace” for illegal transportation in the city. And this follows Toronto city’s failed attempt to cease Uber services, again in court, stating they were operating as an illegal taxi broker.
Uber, of course, have hit back:
As we saw from a recent court ruling in Ontario, Uber is operating legally and is a business model distinct from traditional taxi services.
Uber Canada is still pressing ahead with its operations, expanding into four additional Ontario cities on the same day as the lawsuit was filed.