Uber wants lawsuit filed by Vancouver taxi companies thrown out

The taxi companies applied for an injunction in November amidrumours that Uber was about to launch its controversial Uber Xservice, which allows riders to use a smartphone app to connect withprivate drivers.

• Uber block: Vancouver taxi companies seek injunction against ride-share service

The companies' lawsuit alleged Uber was planning to launch inviolation of local bylaws and provincial taxi regulations, whichthey argued would put passengers at risk.

"For over 50 years, they (the taxi companies) have operated as acartel seeking to stifle any form of competition or innovationinthecommercial transportation industry," saysUber'sapplication,which was filed in B.C. Supreme Court on Tuesday.

The Vancouver Taxi Association said itlooks forward to dealing withUberin court.

"Calling us a cartel ... that is just wrong, they'rejust wrong, absolutely wrong, and I don't even know what else to say," said Carolyn Bauer with the Vancouver Taxi Association. "I don't want to bad mouth anyone. The media has put out enough press out there to make people aware and make proper choices."

"I've always said Vancouver taxi industry is not against competition as long as it's on a fair, equal playing field ... go through the proper channels, get the proper insurance pay the properlicencingfees," she said.

Unlike Uber's traditional taxi service, which helps users haillicensed cabs, Uber X allows anyone with a vehicle to apply tobecome a driver. That has prompted warnings from the taxi industry,governments and regulators that Uber X would endanger passengers byputting them in the hands of unregulated drivers.

Uber has repeatedly argued it should not be forced to follow taxiregulations because it is a technology company, not a taxi service.The taxi companies' lawsuit also argued passengers would be

confused into thinking Uber X cars comply with taxi regulations.Uber, however, suggests its alleged reputation for flouting therules would ensure no one is confused.

"The (taxi companies') notice of claim pleads everywhere thatUber has 'openly' refused to comply with these same (regulatory)schemes," says Uber's court application.

"Therefore, on the plaintiff's own allegations, it is plain andobvious that the public will not be misled as plaintiffs suggest."