Philadelphia puts brakes on Uber

PHILADELPHIA — The city’s parking authority has lived up to its threats to impound vehicles and fine drivers participating in the UberX ride-sharing service.

Officials say six vehicles were impounded and each driver was fined $1,000 during an undercover sting operation on Saturday and Sunday in Philadelphia.

Officials have called UberX an unregulated “illegal hack cab service,” citing state law saying vehicles may not be operated as taxis without an inspection by the authority and the issuance of a medallion.

The ride-sharing service uses a smartphone application to summon drivers who use their personal vehicles to give people rides.

Uber spokesman Taylor Bennett accused the authority of harassing drivers and told The Philadelphia Inquirer that the service would continue, saying there was what he called “incredible demand” and “overwhelmingly positive reaction.”