Taxi Companies File Suit to Stop Uber Service in Rhode Island

Two taxi companies in Rhode Island have asked a judge to stop ride-hailing company Uber from doing business in the state.

The Providence Journal reports Orange Cab of Newport and Airport Taxi of Warwick filed a lawsuit this month seeking a cease-and-desist order against the San Francisco-based company and others.

The suit says that under state law, any driver or company providing for-hire car rides must comply with regulations enforced by the Public Utilities Division.

The suit alleges Uber has not done this, and called its services a “massive illegal operation.”

It names regulators from the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers as defendants for allegedly failing to stop Uber from doing business in the state.

An Uber spokesman says the company can’t comment on active litigation.