Wilmington cab companies join together against Uber

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Today many Wilmington cab companies came together as a statement to the city and state demanding regulations for Uber.

Taxis say it’s time they stood up for themselves and demanded Uber be held to the same standards they are from local and state lawmakers.

“They’re winning the game because they don’t have to play by the same rules as everybody else. So of course you can win the game then,” said James Margle with Title Taxi.

They’re not opposed to healthy competition.

“This country’s built on fair competition. You can not give exception to someone to do whatever he wants and control the others by some regulations,” said Mohamed Elhenawi with Pyramids Cab.

But Wilmington cab companies are coming together and saying since Uber came to the Port City, healthy competition hasn’t been a reality.

“If I have to have a business license to conduct business in this town, why shouldn’t they? They should have to go through the same regulations I have to go through,” said Marino Ranj of Mr. Taxi.

Between licenses, permits, insurance and upkeep – the city and state make it expensive to run a taxi service.

“It costs me $1,800 a year to operate and to keep my cars on the road,” said Jim Simpson of Checker Number 6 Taxi Company.

$1,800 per car. Cab regulations are determined by the city, drivers say.

“They undercut us on price. We’re all regulated. All these meters are the same,” said Margle.

Uber’s response to their concerns was a simple statement:

“Uber is the safest, most reliable ride in Wilmington, and thousands of small business owners and riders across the city have come to rely on our technology. We welcome any taxi driver who wants to experience the flexibility and economic opportunity that the Uber platform offers to partner with us.”

Now cabs are saying if the city and state don’t do something soon, they will go on strike.

“We want the city to feel the crunch that they have put on us,” said Raymond Bates with Pyramids Cab.

Today we spoke with City Councilwoman Laura Padgett who said, “I think that the taxi drivers can compete with Uber if they want to.”

If change doesn’t come soon, drivers are threatening the strike will come on July 4th.