Group of Boston taxi drivers sue city over different rules for online ride-hailing services

A group of Boston taxi drivers is suing the city, saying officials have violated their rights by allowing online ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft to operate without following the same rules taxis do.

The Boston Globe reports (http://bit.ly/1yvQAyK) the lawsuit filed in federal court Friday accuses the city of destroying the value of the medallions taxis must buy to operate, and asks unspecified monetary damages.

A city spokeswoman said officials hadn't received the complaint Friday and officials will review it. A city advisory commission has been examining the regulations.

The lawsuit also challenges proposed state rules to have the Department of Public Utilities regulate ride-hailing services as "transportation network companies." The legislature hasn't approved the proposal. The lawsuit asks a judge to stop the state from enacting it.

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Information from: The Boston Globe, http://www.bostonglobe.com