Report: Rival car service app accuses Uber of dirty tactics

[Haltech]

Filed under: Government/Legal, Technology, Specialty



Uber just can't seem to stay out of the news lately. Between troubles with cab drivers in France and a tragic crash in San Francisco, the ride-sharing app could use some good news for a change. Nope, not going to happen, though.

Gett, another ride-sharing app, alleges that Uber employees in New York City ordered and canceled more than 100 of its cars over the course of several days last week, according to a report from CNN Money. That wasn't the real mischief, though. Gett includes a driver's cellphone number once the order has been submitted. Allegedly, the Uber employees called and attempted to recruit the rival drivers, offering money were they to switch sides.

"Our local teams can be pretty determined when spreading the word about Uber and how our platform opens up new economic opportunities for drivers. In this instance, the New York City team was a bit too ambitious and we'll make sure they tone down their sales tactics," Uber said in a statement picked up by CNN.

Uber's statement wasn't enough to smooth things over with Gett CEO Jing Herman, though. He told CNN, "During a very short period of time when we had 100 cancellations that took up 100 drivers, those 100 drivers could have served 100 of our legitimate customers who weren't able to get a car or had to wait much longer to get a car."

It's unclear if Gett will lawyer up, but CNN contacted a San Francisco-based lawyer who seems to think the company has a case against Uber. "If Uber employees intentionally diverted Gett drivers from legitimate business by making phony calls, that is an unfair business practice, illegal under California law," said attorney Drexel Bradshaw. "It is also an intentional interference with Gett's business which makes them liable for money damages."Rival car service app accuses Uber of dirty tactics originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Jan 2014 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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