That didn't take long. The city of Portland, Oregon, sued Uber on Monday, calling it an "illegal, unregulated transportation service," according to a news release. The company launched in Portland just last Friday.
Mayor Charlie Hales had a few scathing words:
Taxi cab companies follow rules on public health and safety. So do hotels and restaurants and construction companies and scores of other service providers. Because everyone agrees: good regulations make for a safer community. Uber disagrees, so we're seeking a court injunction. [City of Portland]
The city's Bureau of Transportation stuck Uber with two civil penalties: operating without a company permit and operating without a vehicle permit.
Uber's fine print claims the company is not a transportation provider.