City prosecutor had issued ban on ride-share services for violations local law
NEWARK -- Officials announced Friday that they would not prevent ride-sharing firms from operating at Newark Liberty International Airport, days before a ban announced by the city prosecutor was due to take effect.
"All taxis and limos will be treated fairly and we will not single out Uber for violations only," Anthony Ambrose, Newark's public safety director, said Friday night.
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There would be no towing of vehicles or arrests until a meeting is held with the prosecutor, Evans C. Anyanwu, and the corporation counsel, Ambrose added.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the airport, also said it would refrain from carrying out the prohibition on the services, which are seen as a threat by the city's medallioned cab drivers.
"We have received numerous inquiries over the past few days about the policy of this agency with regard to utilization of ridesharing firms such as Uber and Lyft at Newark Liberty International Airport. The Port Authority Police Department will not take steps to prevent access to such services by passengers or others on the premises owned or leased by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey," the agency said.
Yet another agency, NJ Transit, said it too would refrain from ticketing Uber and Lyft drivers operating at Newark Penn Station and other hubs it oversees.
The announcements come as Uber New Jersey issued a plea to Anyanwu to reconsider its decision, which the company said would adversely affect thousands of travelers and drivers.
Last month Anyanwu sent a letter to Uber warning that the company was in violation of the city's taxi ordinances and that continued violations "would result in criminal and civil penalties" effective Feb. 22.
Ride-share services operating in the city have reduced business for traditional taxis by as much as 80 percent in Newark, according to unions and other organizations representing drivers.
Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. Find NJ.com on Facebook.