Nutter Urges Peace Between PPA, Uber

Says parking agency has conflict of interest.

Mayor Nutter is urging peace in the war between the Philadelphia Parking Authority and ride-sharing service UberX — and suggesting that the PPA has a conflict of interest in the matter.

KYW reports:

Today, Mayor Michael Nutter was also weighing in, saying Uber needs to operate legally but, as he put it, the Parking Authority is “blocking” them. He wonders whether the PPA’s recent (and unsuccessful) efforts to sell taxi medallions for more than $400,000 each has something to do with its decision.

“Maybe because there’s a potential conflict there for the Parking Authority, given that they’re heavily invested and very active with the cab industry, they may not want that kind of competition here in Philadelphia,” the mayor said.

Nutter said people looking for transportation deserve as many options as possible, and he wants to see both sides sit down and figure it out.

PPA officials impounded six UberX cars over the weekend, and say they’ll continue the crackdown because of questions about the inspection of Uber cars, the licensing of their drivers, and whether they possess sufficient insurance to operate safely.

Previously: Uber Launches UberX In Philadelphia, But PPA Says “Not So Fast”
Previously: PPA Impounds UberX Vehicles in Undercover Sting Operation
Previously : Uber Calls PPA UberX Sting a “Deplorable Charade”