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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Our View: Sizzling heat, blazing fireworks coincide this year ... Jackson County to help analyze impacts of proposed Medford casino ... MPD uses forfeited funds to help expand evidence building ... Our View: Sizzling heat, blazing fireworks coincide this year ... Jackson County to help analyze impacts of proposed Medford casino ... MPD uses forfeited funds to help expand evidence building ... EUGENE Eugene fines ride-sharing service Comment By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted Nov. 20, 2014 at 5:50 PM By The Associated Press Posted Nov. 20, 2014 at 5:50 PM » Social News The city of Eugene has fined the ride-sharing company Uber $2,000 for failing to get a city license, and a city official says the penalty could be imposed daily. But whether Uber appeals the fine or pays up is questionable, since the company and others like it have ignored fines and resisted regulation in other cities, the Eugene Register-Guard reported Thursday. Uber began operating in Eugene and neighboring Springfield in July. As in other cities, that angered traditional cab companies that have to get licenses and pay annual fees. Assistant City Manager Sarah Medary said that if Uber doesn't pay the fine, the city could impose additional fines of up to $2,000 a day. An Uber worker didn't say whether it would pay, appeal or ignore the fines, but it promised to support users and the independent contractors who provide the rides. Uber "will continue to defend the rights of the people of Eugene who already rely on Uber to connect them with a safe, reliable ride as well as stand behind our partners who rely on the platform to support their small businesses," said Brooke Steger, general manager in the company's Seattle office. Users download the Uber app and use it to hail rides. Uber takes a cut from the fares, which are paid electronically. In Oregon, Uber has met resistance in Portland, where it hasn't begun business, and in Salem, where it has. But it recently was welcomed in four Portland suburbs: Gresham, Tigard, Hillsboro and Beaverton. The suburban rollout means drivers could be picking up fares in the suburbs and driving them into the city. In Eugene, city officials are considering rule changes that could apply in Springfield as well. Eugene manages licensing for the two cities. Medary met with City Council members on Wednesday to present a proposed change to regulations that would allow taxi companies to use smartphone technology to display passenger fares, in addition to traditional meter displays. Next year, the city staff will seek opinions and rule changes to get ride-sharing and traditional taxi companies under the same rules, and council members said that work should be done as soon as possible. "It's clear that we are going to be dealing with this for a while, and we should deal with it sooner rather than later," council member Mike Clark said. "We have the ability to develop a level playing field for everybody to make sure that (passengers) are safe and public isn't being gouged." By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted Nov. 20, 2014 at 5:50 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501