Anchorage In Ridesharing Lawsuit Has Judge’s Backing

A state court judge says ridesharing company Uber cannot offer transportation for hire in Alaska’s largest city unless it complies with a local ordinance.

Superior Court Judge Michael Corey issued an order Monday barring the company from charging people for rides in Anchorage unless it uses regulated vehicles and otherwise complies with municipal law regarding for-hire vehicles.

Corey ruled in a case brought by the municipality of Anchorage.

Uber provides a smartphone app that allows people to order rides in privately driven cars instead of taxis.

Corey, in his order, said Uber had not been charging riders for transportation it arranged but had the capability to charge at any time before his ruling.

A phone listing for an Uber attorney rang unanswered Monday afternoon.