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Public Utilities Commission To Take Action In Illegal Ride Services

DENVER (CBS4)- The Colorado Public Utilities Commission says it will take action to stop the practice of illegal ride sharing in Denver and other cities across the state.

This development comes after a CBS4 Investigation revealed that ride sharing drivers, like Uber and Lyft, and others have been picking up customers illegally in downtown Denver.

According to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, only licensed taxi cabs can pick up passengers who hail them on the street. All rides from car services, including limousines, Uber and Lyft, must be pre-arranged ahead of time.

RELATED: CBS4 Investigation Finds Illegal Ride Services Rampant In Lodo

The investigation was prompted after two women were sexually assaulted after they got into cars they thought were legitimate ride services. The head of the PUC said the organization will be devoting more attention in the lower downtown area.

"I was very pleased when I saw your story run because I think it brings awareness to this issue," said Public Utilities Commission Director Doug Dean.

The PUC makes the rules the drivers are supposed to follow.

Uber
(credit: CBS)

"They are just ignoring the rules. The frustrates me when I see people flat out ignoring our rules, ignoring the law, ignoring the instructions from the company just to make a couple of bucks," said Dean.

The drivers face fines of $12,000 a day if they are caught giving illegal rides.

"We will be devoting more attention down there. I've spoken to my criminal investigation supervisor and they are going to be spending more people down there," said Dean.

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