Uber ride-sharing service banned in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach

By Cassie Fambro on January 22, 2016 at 2:34 PM, updated January 22, 2016 at 2:42 PM

Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, AL

Uber is a ride-sharing service.Adam Ganucheau | aganucheau@al.com

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have been vocally against the ride-sharing service Uber, and as of Jan. 22, the Uber app will be inaccessible to residents of both cities.

"Since Uber came to the Gulf Coast in June, we have been welcomed by riders like you who rely on safe transportation our driver-partners provide. But the mayors and city councils of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores have ordered Uber to cease operations and to no longer provide safe, reliable rides to Alabama Gulf Coast residents and visitors," Uber released in a statement.

"As a result, you will no longer be able to use the Uber app in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach beginning Jan. 22 at midnight."

A post from the Gulf Shores police department back in July hinted at conflict with Uber.

"UBER is NOT licensed to operate in Gulf Shores," the post read. "‪#‎GSPD‬ will take appropriate police action towards anyone found in violation! UBER will be treated as an unlicensed taxi service. This type of 'service' is highly dangerous and getting into a vehicle with someone you do not know can result in a serious crime against you!"

Uber disagreed.

"All driver-partners wanting to use the Uber platform are required to undergo an extensive background check, which is performed on our behalf by a third party accredited by the National Association of Professional Background Screeners and use a process for Uber that is similar to that provided to other companies such as Care.com, Starbucks, WalMart, Nike, FedEx, UPS, and Amazon," Uber told AL.com.

Mobilian Patrick Dungan voiced his displeasure with the decision.

"I was really looking forward to using Uber at Hangout Fest this year. I guess Gulf Shores and Orange Beach would rather have drunks on the road than insured, sober, background-checked Uber drivers," said Dungan.

Uber also asked that those who want Uber back in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores call their city leaders and advocate for the ride-sharing service.

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