Wolf, Pittsburgh-area officials ask PUC to cut Uber fine

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Gov. Tom Wolf and Pittsburgh-area officials want the Public Utility Commission to greatly reduce the record-setting $11.4 million fine against ride-sharing company Uber.

The PUC fined Uber last month for operating six months in 2014 without the required approval. The company has said it would appeal.

The PUC, which also regulates buses and taxis, approved a fine considerably lower than the $50 million recommended by a pair of administrative law judges in November, but still the largest in agency history.

Wolf, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, and Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald say Tuesday that the fine should be cut otherwise it would stifle innovation and technology companies.

The officials also say state transit regulations didn't clearly apply to ride-sharing firms that leniency is reasonable.

The PUC hasn't immediately commented.

Associated Press