Taxi group sues Baker, other officials over new ‘Uber law’

A new Massachusetts law signed by Governor Charlie Baker that established the first statewide rules for Uber, Lyft, and other ride-hailing services is being challenged in court by a group of Boston taxi owners as unconstitutional.

The Boston Taxi Owners Association filed the lawsuit Friday in US District Court against Baker and several other Massachusetts officials.

The lawsuit marks the latest salvo in the taxi industry’s fight in Boston and across the nation against the rise of its popular digital-age competition, which allows passengers to summon a ride from drivers with the touch of a button.

The taxi industry group said the so-called Uber law, which was among the most high-profile measures of the last legislative session, violates its members’ equal protection rights, because it prevents municipalities from regulating ride-hailing companies in the same way they do cabs.

Read more: http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2016/09/23/taxi-group-sues-baker-other-officials-over-new-uber-law/aYZ5bx0vbL8jM7lkEfebkI/story.html