SF, LA threaten Uber, Lyft, Sidecar with legal action

SAN FRANCISCO — The district attorneys of San Francisco and Los Angeles have warned Uber, Lyft and Sidecar that they are operating illegally in the state.

A joint investigation by the prosecutors uncovered practices by the car service companies that violate California law and threaten the safety of consumers, according to letters sent to the companies.

"We value innovation and new modes of providing service to the public," San Francisco District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement. "However, we need to make sure the safety and well-being of consumers are adequately protected in the process."

A Sidecar spokesperson said in an emailed statement that "we strongly disagree" with the assertion that its activities are illegal.

"The District Attorneys are trying to enforce laws written for limousines, in an era before smartphones," the statement read.

In a statement, Lyft said it has worked closely with the state Public Utilities Commission for two years

"We are confident that we can work with the District Attorneys' offices to address the items outlined in their letter and look forward to discussing with them soon to do so," it said.

Uber did not respond to a request for comment.

Among the claims from the district attorneys: The companies mislead consumers by claiming background checks weed out drivers with moving violations and criminal offenses.

Uber driver Daveea Whitmire, 28, was charged with striking a passenger in June. He had been convicted of drug dealing and battery.

Uber, Lyft and Sidecar are services that let consumers order privately driven cars from their smartphones.

The district attorneys say these services should be regulated by the California Department of Food and Agriculture's weights and measures division to make sure consumers are getting the number of miles they pay for and that they need to obtain licenses to pick up and drop off passengers at airports.

Also at issue: new offerings from these companies in which consumers car pool and pay fares separately. Prosecutors say the fares are being calculated in violation of state law.

The companies have until Monday to respond to the letters and until Oct. 8 to meet with prosecutors.

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