Ride-sharing company UberX is now operating in Philadelphia despite a threat from the city's parking authority to impound cars and fine drivers.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that UberX began offering rides Friday night. Uber spokesman Taylor Bennett says the company will offer free service in Philadelphia through the weekend.
Parking Authority spokesman Martin O'Rourke says UberX is considered an illegal taxi operation. He warns the authority will impound cars and levy $1,000 fines against vehicle owners and drivers.
UberX uses a smartphone app to dispatch drivers who use their personal vehicles to give people rides. The drivers then share the fares they collect with UberX.
UberX and a competitor, Lyft, recently won Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approval to operate in the Pittsburgh area.
