Uber fined $7M for keeping info from California regulators
Updated: 2015-07-16 11:16
(Agencies)
|
|||||||||||
An Uber car is seen parked with the driver's lunch left on the dashboard in Venice, Los Angeles, California, United States July 15, 2015. [Photo/Agencies] |
SAN FRANCISCO - Uber picked up a hefty tab Wednesday when a judge fined the taxi-alternative's California subsidiary $7.3 million for refusing to give state regulators information about its business practices, including when its drivers turn down ride requests and how accessible vehicles are to disabled riders.
The fine was part of a ruling by an administrative law judge at the California Public Utilities Commission, the regulatory agency that allowed Uber and its competitors such as Lyft to operate in the state as long as the companies reported aspects of their activities.
The judge agreed with utility commission staff who said Uber's California subsidiary, Rasier-CA, has not filed all required reports, specifically about how often it provided disabled-accessible vehicles, places where drivers tend to turn down ride requests, and the causes of accidents.
Uber's app allows passengers to request a ride directly from drivers in the area - and allows drivers to decline the request. The utilities commission wants to see whether drivers are accepting fares evenly.
Attorneys for Rasier-CA had argued that the company provided sufficient information to the commission. The judge acknowledged that the company provided some of the contested information but said it was not enough.
In a written statement, Uber spokeswoman Eva Behrend called the ruling and fine "deeply disappointing" and said the company would appeal.
"Uber has already provided substantial amounts of data to the California Public Utilities Commission, information we have provided elsewhere with no complaints," Behrend wrote, adding that submitting more detailed information could affect the privacy of passengers and drivers.
In a written statement, the utilities commission said Uber was the only company of its kind not to comply with the reporting requirements.
Uber has previously tussled with public officials. In Portland, Oregon, for example it had an extended disagreement with the city that led it to suspend operations. In France, Uber suspended its low-cost service following an escalating legal dispute and sometimes-violent tensions with traditional French taxi drivers. French authorities had ordered the service - called UberPop - shut down, but Uber refused, pending a legal decision at a top French court.
Related Stories
Uber adjusts business model to drive success in China 2015-07-06 13:27
Uber executives face trial over 'deceptive practices' 2015-07-01 07:37
France cracks down on Uber after taxi driver protests 2015-06-26 10:20
Today's Top News
China's Internet giants reprimanded over obscene clip
China posts 7% GDP growth rate in Q2
Greek PM defends choice of harsh debt deal rather than Grexit
Former Auschwitz bookkeeper, 94, found guilty
Three-day forum in Zhanjiang to launch 'online Silk Road'
UK restricts students' right to work
Housing costs are forcing out young generation
Stocks tumble 3% despite positive economic data
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
'Sponge City' to soak up urban floodwater |
Ancient art looks to attract young audiences |
Anniversary of victory over Japan marked |
What do we know about AIIB |
President Xi attends BRICS, SCO summits |
Premier Li's visit to Belgium and France |