FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Uber has temporarily suspended pick-up service at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades, an Uber representative said.
Drivers were notified of the change via email Monday night and told that they would be in jeopardy of having their Uber account deactivated if they attempted to pick up passengers at either location.
Uber said drivers are still allowed to drop off passengers at the locations "while they work with local officials on a long-term solution for servicing these areas."
"We have temporarily suspended airport pick-ups at FLL while we work toward a permanent operating agreement with county administrators," Uber said in a statement. "We look forward to partnering with county and airport officials in establishing a rideshare framework that reduces curbside crowding, increases landside efficiency and provides travelers with convenient, reliable transportation options."
Broward County commissioners voted Tuesday night to allow the county attorney to challenge Uber in court.
"I want to send a clear message to Uber and Lyft that we have laws and rules and regulations that you need to abide by for the safety of our passengers," Commissioner Barbara Sharief said.
An Uber spokesman called the vote disappointing.
"There are 10s of thousands of residents and tourists who depend on Uber to get around safely and reliably," Kasra Moshkani, general manager for Uber in South Florida, told Local 10 News.
Earlier this month, commissioners established fines and civil penalties for those who violate county laws.
The fines range from $250 for first-time offenders and incrementally increase up to $1,000 for four or more violations:
--First offense: $250
--Second offense: $500
--Third offense: $750
--Fourth offense: $1,000
An ordinance passed in April requires transportation companies to have a license to operate in Broward County. Every driver must also have chauffeur registrations.
Under the ordinance, Uber and Lyft can set their own prices for transportation based on distance or time, but commissioners can regulate fares for pickups at Port Everglades and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
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