Tampa Vows to Ticket Lyft, Uber Ridesharing Drivers

Drivers for the ride-sharing services Lyft and Uber will be ticketed in the Tampa area, the Public Transportation Commission announced. Drivers were previously given verbal warnings.

Fines can reach $800, including a $500 fine for operating without a certificate.

The two San Francisco-based companies operate through an app in which customers request a ride and pay electronically on the app. The taxi and limousine industry has opposed ride-sharing services in the state due to stringent government requirements. Taxis and limos must have specific licenses, vehicles and rates. Lyft and Uber have rates 20 percent lower, though drivers typically have only gone through a background check by the company, The Tampa Tribune reported.

Officials at Lyft have said they will cover the cost of fines.