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Lyft Remains Under Restraining Order in St. Louis, Judge Rules

Circuit Judge David Dowd, citing public safety concerns from the city's taxi commission, said he saw no compelling reason to set his order aside.

The ride-sharing app Lyft will remain under a restraining order, a judge ruled on Tuesday.

Attorneys for the San Francisco company emerged in court on Tuesday afternoon and argued that the judge's order should be lifted until a full injunction hearing is held next month. The attorneys were absent from court on Monday when the order was put into place.

Circuit Judge David Dowd, citing public safety concerns from the city's taxi commission, said he saw no compelling reason to set his order aside.

Lyft's app, which connects drivers with passengers, has remained operational despite Dowd's orders.

Stephen O'Brien, a lawyer representing Lyft, said he has advised his client to follow the court's order.

"I'm certainly optimistic that they will heed my advice," O'Brien told the judge.

Paige Thelen, a Lyft spokeswoman, said on Monday evening that the company would continue fighting to serve the St. Louis market.

"Lyft is now live and providing safe rides and economic opportunity in 34 cities across the United States," Thelen said. "St. Louis deserves the same modern transportation choices of other large leading U.S. cities."

The city has been ticketing the Lyft drivers. The company says it will pay their fines.

The city's taxi commission says Lyft should be regulated just like licensed cab drivers, something they say keeps the public safe.

O'Brien argued that Lyft's system of payment is completely voluntary.

"Lyft riders get into the car with no obligation," O'Brien said.

The taxi commission noted, however, that riders are required to input a credit card before they use the app.

The parties could come back before the court next month, or possibly earlier.

©2014 the St. Louis Post-Dispatch