Lyft Lifts Off in NY

Just two days before it’s planned launch in Brooklyn and Queens, Lyft—the ridesharing app—received word that their service is in violation of local taxi ordinances and as such is illegal and unwelcome in the Big Apple.

“Lyft has not complied with [the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission’s] safety requirements and other licensing criteria to verify the integrity and qualifications of the drivers or vehicles used in their service,” the New York City TLC said in a statement, reports Time, “and Lyft does not hold a license to dispatch cars to pick up passengers.”

Lyft has decided to roll the dice and launch today anyway, despite threats of heavy fines and possible vehicle impounding.   Lyft’s new fleet comprised of  500 new drivers and two weeks of free rides to get people excited about the service. Lyft argues that since their screening process is actually more rigorous that the city’s for its taxi drivers, and that 75,000 have already used the service locally without incident.

“The public is reminded that they should not get into a vehicle without a TLC license,” the TLC warned, reports the source.  At seven tonight it will be clear in if hipsters and Queens residents will agree when the service gets rolling at 7 pm tonight.

 

 

 

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