Uber Fights $2,000 Fine Handed Down by Oregon City

The online taxi business Uber, a company worth billions, is contesting a $2,000 fine issued by Eugene, Ore., which says Uber should get a license.

The Register-Guard reported Thursday that city lawyers contend Uber fits municipal rules requiring any vehicle that transports a passenger for money to get a “public passenger vehicle” license. It levied the fine last month.

Uber takes a cut from fares collected by private drivers from passengers who use its app. Its appeal says Uber doesn’t operate any “public passenger vehicles,” so it isn’t governed by the city requirement.

The company has been operating in Eugene since July. It’s also in legal disputes in Portland, San Francisco and Los Angeles.