The resistance to ridesharing service Uber has intensified in Toronto, as a class action lawsuit has been launched by taxi drivers in the city.
Reuters reports documents filed seek $400 million CAD in damages from Uber, plus an injunction to cease operations in Ontario:
Law firm Sutts, Strosberg LLP, which is representing the taxi drivers, said in a statement on Thursday that the named plaintiff, cab driver Dominik Konjevic, alleges that “Uber X and Uber XL have created an enormous marketplace for illegal transportation in Toronto”.
The case proposed covers all taxi companies in the province and drivers as well; if the case goes to trial, drivers and companies can opt out of the class-action.
Uber Canada spokeswoman Susie Heath said in a statement to Reuters “This protectionist suit is without merit,” further adding “As we saw from a recent court ruling in Ontario, Uber is operating legally and is a business model distinct from traditional taxi services.”
Jay Strosberg, a partner at the firm said the case is based on provincial law and not municipal regulations, which separates this case from an earlier Judge decision noting Uber operated legally in Toronto.
Earlier today, Uber announced the launch of its UberX service in southwestern Ontario, bringing the ridesharing service to London, Waterloo Region, Hamilton, and Guelph.
Time to sit back (in your UberX) and grab the popcorn, folks.
