A local limo company is taking on Uber, after its owner claimed his business took a hit because of the rideshare service and that he lost his operating license because of unfair competition with it.
Patrick Mifsud said there's a double standard when it comes to enforcing the law.
"It's just unfair business practice," he said.
Mifsud, who owns Dearborn Heights-based Entertainment Express, lost his operating license in November, after the Michigan Department of Transportation cited failed safety inspections.
Under the state's Limousine Transportation Act, companies need to pass safety checks, pay fees, and display MDOT decals on all vehicles. Mifsud and his attorneys argue that Uber, by Michigan's definition, is a limo company too, but that the state doesn't enforce the same rules on Uber drivers.
Mifsud said most of the violations MDOT cited his company for was for not having the state decals on his vehicles.
"I challenged the State of Michigan, obviously if Uber doesn't have to have that sticker, than I don't either," he said.
"Basically Michigan Department of Transportation and its employees have violated Mr. Mifsud's constitutional rights by not enforcing these laws against Uber," Mifsud's attorney Elena Djordjeski said.
Mifsud filed an appeal to get his operating license back, but he said even if he gets back in business, it will be hard to stay in business competing with Uber.
"Uber is going to knock out all the taxi companies and all the lower-scale people and they're gonna control the market. That's my opinion," Mifsud said.
Uber has not yet responded for comment.
An MDOT spokeswoman said the department does not comment on pending litigation.
