Tuscaloosa Police Warn Uber Drivers

City officials in Tuscaloosa say they’ve informed representatives of the Uber ridesharing service that drivers will soon face arrest unless the company complies with the city’s demands.

Tuscaloosa police Sgt. Brent P. Blankley told The Tuscaloosa News that police will begin making arrests Wednesday under the city’s taxi regulation laws unless the company meets the city’s requirements.

Tuscaloosa’s many college students are a lucrative market for Uber’s business model.

Uber sent a message to its Tuscaloosa users last week seeking their support in a dispute with city officials.

Tuscaloosa authorities say Uber drivers must get vehicle inspections and purchase business licenses like other vehicle services.

Uber has accused city officials of stifling innovation.