Hailo Network pulling out of app-driven taxi service in US

New York City taxi riders have one less way to hail a cab.

The Wall Street Journal (http://on.wsj.com/1wFqWnd ) says Hailo Network Ltd. said Tuesday it was pulling its app-driven taxi service in North America.

The London-based company's move comes amid intense competition from such companies as Uber Technologies.

Hailo Chief Executive Tim Barr says it made the decision because of the huge costs "required to compete."

An Uber spokesman didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.

Hailo got approval in 2013 to join the Taxi and Limousine Commission's "e-hail" pilot program.

The New York Taxi Workers Alliance tells the Journal Hailo's decision "raises concerns that existing companies may be able to monopolize."

Executive Director Bhairavi Desai (BEAR'-ra-vee des-EYE') says that's "never good for the consumer or the driver."

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Information from: The Wall Street Journal, http://www.wsj.com