Uber goes back to the future with its latest nose-thumb at authorities

WE’D much prefer a DeLorean, but Uber has taken a different mode of time travel in its latest publicity stunt.

Actors Christopher Lloyd (L) and Michael J Fox from 1990 film 'Back to the Future Part III'.

WE’D much prefer a DeLorean, but Uber has taken a different mode of time travel in its latest publicity stunt.

The ride sharing company has launched a horse-and-buggy service on the streets of Austin, Texas, in a bizarre protest against the city authorities.

Spokeswoman Debbee Hancock said the “Kitchen Uber”— named after Austin councillor Ann Kitchen, who wants to clamp down on ride sharing — aimed at making a point about her proposed regulations.

“Council Member Kitchen’s plan would impose 19th Century regulations on 21st Century technology,” Ms Hancock said.

“Uber has improved mobility for half a million people in Austin, but [this] proposal would take Austin backwards and eliminate this reliable transportation option.”

Giddy up.

Ms Hancock said the new regulations would treat ride-sharing companies like a horse and buggy, making it impossible for Uber to operate in the city where 10,000 UberX drivers have now completed 2.5 million trips.

The City of Austin prohibits horses from operating on the streets before 6pm.

Its mobility committee is considering a range of new regulations for ride sharing services like Uber and Lyft, including a requirement to pay the city US$1 per ride provided instead of one per cent of their revenue, My Statesman reports.

Also up for debate are what data the companies must hand over, along with drivers’ background checks; there are calls for fingerprint checks to be required instead of simpler names-based checks.

Ms Hancock said 70 per cent of Austinites surveyed by Uber supported ride sharing, while

almost 30,000 had signed a petition urging the city council to oppose Kitchen’s plan.

Kitchen Uber rides are available in Austin for a flat fare of $50, weather permitting, ahead of the city council’s November 16 vote on the issue.

We hope the company’s Melbourne contingent don’t get any ideas, or Uber could have a new war on its hands.

A horse and buggy service already caters to tourists in Melbourne’s CBD, and they’re not in the mood for disruption.

Uber’s dispute with the Victorian Taxi Association is bloody enough, without the parties going to battle on horseback.