The ride-sharing app Lyft caved to demands by the city to submit to TLC regulations after a Manhattan judge threatened to bar the company from launching in the outer boroughs.
“Lyft agreed they would not launch until they have come into compliance with the law, the TLC requirements,” said Justice Kathryn Freed Friday.
Specifically the start-up, which already operates in 65 other cities including San Francisco and Chicago, has to register with base stations and submit its mobile phone app technology to the TLC for approval.
“If these things aren’t done I’m prepared to issue a temporary restraining order” preventing Lyft vehicles from driving in the city until the conclusion of a lawsuit brought by the attorney general challenging the business model, Freed said.
Lyft reps declined to immediately comment, but members of the Livery Base Owners Association blasted their new rival.
“Lyft is undermining the work that our industry has done for decades by not complying with the law,” said spokeswoman Cira Angeles.
Lyft has until July 25 to meet TLC standards, but Freed said if the company completes the process before then she will approve an earlier launch.
Lyft had tried to start its operations in Brooklyn and Queens last week before the city and state sued, claiming the service was illegal.
In other cities the company hires unprofessional drivers who pick up passengers in their own vehicles. Payment is donation based, but there is a scale with suggested fares.