PORTSMOUTH, NH (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Portsmouth, N.H. city leaders are looking for a compromise to allow Uber to operate legally in the city in the midst of an ongoing feud with taxi cab companies.
"There's a need in this city both for taxi and ride sharing, and somehow we have to coexist," Mayor Bob Lister told FOX25.
Uber drivers and supporters protested outside Portsmouth City Hall Monday night before the city council meeting.
"What's important to me is choice, being able to choose who I give my money to," supporter Jessica Paxton said.
Earlier this year, city officials passed an ordinance requiring several steps for Uber drivers to legally operate in the city, including a comprehensive background check and insurance.
As a result, many Uber drivers have chosen to pick up customers without meeting the ordinance's standards.
"If Uber doesn't like it, then they don't want to comply with our ordinances, then they can take their business elsewhere," taxi driver John Palreiro said.
Taxi cab companies have targeted Uber drivers, leading to citations and one arrest, after cab drivers started a campaign to notify police when they see Uber drivers picking up customers.
"We call 'em in, that they're picking up illegally, because they're stealing money from us, operating illegally," Palreiro said.
To end the warring between the companies, city leaders agreed Monday night to revisit the transportation ordinance and investigate a compromise that would allow Uber to more easily operate in the city.
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