Uber Stops Pick Ups At Lauderdale's Airport, Port

FT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - If you are flying into Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, or cruising into Port Everglades, don't count on Uber to get you home.

The company notified its drivers Monday night that until further notice they will "no longer receive pickup requests at FLL and Port Everglades," according to the Sun-Sentinel.

"Please note that any partners attempting to circumvent this restriction may have their Uber account subject to deactivation, and Uber will not cover any citation received as a result of pickup at FLL and Port Everglades," according to the email sent to drivers.

Uber drivers will, however, still be able to drop people off at both sites.

The ride sharing company made the decision in an effort to stave off going to court with the county. On Tuesday the county's commission will decide whether they will pursue a suit against them for operating outside the county's laws.

While the county regulates the number of taxis and the fare amounts, Uber operates with no restrictions on fares and unlimited vehicles. They've also made no attempt to aquire a "transportation network company"(TNC) license.

Last April, Broward commissioners passed an ordinance imposing regulations on Uber and other phone app based ride-sharing services. The new regulations require ride-sharing drivers to carry commercial vehicle insurance, register as chauffeurs and submit to fingerprinted background checks.

At the time, the Uber issued a statement which read in part, "We cannot operate in Broward County if such onerous regulations are enforced."

But it continued to operate anyway. Tuesday vote in the commission will authorize the county's attorney to "review the status of all resources necessary for TNCs to operate and to file suit, as and when appropriate, against TNCs that operate in Broward County other than in compliance with the county's regulations, and, in the case of the airport, a contractual arrangement to allow access by TNC drivers.''

In suspending pick ups at the airport and port on the eve of the vote, Uber hopes they can come to some sort of terms with the county.

"We look forward to partnering with county and airport officials in establishing a rideshare framework that reduces curbside crowding, increases landside efficiency and provides travelers with convenient, reliable transportation options," Uber said in a statement to the Sun-Sentinel.