South Carolina Orders Uber To Cease Operations Until Proper Certificates Are In Place

(Ken Shelton)

(Ken Shelton)

The list of cities, states and countries that have ordered ride-sharing service Uber to halt operation in their area continues to grow. The latest service issue comes from South Carolina as the state’s Public Service Commission sent the company a directive to cease and desist service immediately.

WLTX-TV reports that the service was ordered to stop operations until it gets proper certification by the state.

Commissioners say Uber must acquire a certificate of public convenience and necessity, which is required by law before any motor vehicle service – including taxis – can start business in the state.

“Consumers benefit from, and deserve choices in, the marketplace,” the commission wrote. “However, those choices must be consistent with state law intended to protect the public.”

Commissioners tell WLTX that Raiser LLC, the wholly owned subsidiary of Uber, is in the process of applying for the certificate.

Uber launched in the Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach and Greenville areas of South Carolina in July.

A spokesperson for the ride-sharing company says the cease and desist order was shocking and Uber plans to fight it.

“Despite working closely with the PSC for the past several months on a permanent solution for Uber in South Carolina, today’s actions are unexpected and not reflective of the progress made thus far,” spokesperson Taylor Bennett tells WLTX. “We will challenge the order and remain committed to providing South Carolinians with greater opportunity and choice.”

This isn’t the first issue Uber has encountered since starting service in the state over the summer.

WLTX reports the City of Columbia announced in August that it would not issue work permits for Uber until it got clarification from the Public Service Commission that Uber could be classified as a passenger carrier.

Uber Ordered to Stop Operating in South Carolina [WLTX]

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