Lyft

The new ride-sharing service Lyft launched in Ann Arbor earlier this year. The signature pink, fuzzy mustaches adorn the fronts of the drivers' vehicles.

(Courtesy of Lyft)

It's been nearly seven weeks since Ann Arbor City Attorney Kristen Larcom sent cease and desist letters to the then-newly launched rideshare services Uber and Lyft, demanding that the companies immediately put an end to their Ann Arbor operations.

However, both companies have stuck to their word and continued to provide their services in and around the city - and officials are reaching out to both to learn more about the businesses as they consider an ordinance that would require the drivers to register with the city.

According to Tom Crawford, Ann Arbor's chief financial officer and financial services administrator, the city has not levied any fines or citations against either company.

The letter from Larcom stated: "It has been reported and has been observed that ... (Lyft and Uber) are aiding and abetting the unlawful operation of (Lyft and Uber) vehicles for hire in the city of Ann Arbor.

"The city demands that (Uber and Lyft) comply with the Michigan Limousine Transportation Act by ceasing and desisting from soliciting persons to sign up ... to operate in the city without requiring them to and ensuring that they comply with the act. It is incumbent upon (Uber and Lyft) also to inform persons who seek to operate their vehicles as (Uber and Lyft) vehicles that they must comply with the act and any other federal, state or local laws. All persons and entities involved are advised to consult with their attorneys."

At the time of the order, Lyft spokeswoman Paige Thelen said that her company would continue to operate despite the order from the city to shut down its services.

Michael White, a spokesperson for Uber, also said his company would continue its services as it worked toward reaching an operating agreement with the Ann Arbor officials.

Uber launched in Ann Arbor on April 22, 2014. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

Crawford said that the city has reached out to both Uber and Lyft.

"We are having introductory meetings. Where it will go I can't say without speculating," Crawford said in an email to The Ann Arbor News.

"I don't really have that much to share. We are learning about each other's business (and) interests."

During the most recent Ann Arbor taxicab meeting, the board discussed a draft ordinance that would deregulate rates in the taxi industry, and it also discussed a draft ordinance that would require all Uber and Lyft drivers, as well as all drivers-for-hire to register with the city.

The board did not take action on the items, but revised them and said there would be further discussion at the July taxicab meeting.

White said he was hopeful that the city would be able to reach an arrangement with Uber to "support new transportation options" and that talks are ongoing to make that happen.

"Since our launch in Ann Arbor we have received an overwhelming response from all users, and look forward to continuing to provide the community with access to additional transportation options," White said.

"By connecting users with a safe, reliable and seamless ride, and with unprecedented accountability and transparency built into the system, Uber is transforming the way Michiganders think about their transportation options."

Thelen said via email that she didn't have any updates to offer about a potential service agreement between Lyft and the city of Ann Arbor.

Uber and Lyft both reached temporary agreements with the city of Detroit that allows them to operate under a two-year agreement, after which the companies would be evaluated before determining their future viability in the city.