“We will not let bullying and intimidation by the taxi commission keep the people of St Louis from exploring this new model of community-powered, safe rides and economic opportunity,” she added.

Lyft’s app remained operational on Monday evening, but it showed only a few cars offering rides. The city has been ticketing the Lyft drivers. The company says it will pay their fines.

Dowd’s order is in effect until May 6.

The Lyft app lets users look for members who offer rides. Passengers are encouraged to make a donation through the app when the ride is over, instead of paying a metered fare.

Lyft drivers use their own cars and keep a significant portion of the money offered, which is considered to be cheaper than traditional cab rides.

Drivers outfit their cars with friendly pink mustaches and brand themselves as separate from for-hire taxi services.

Lyft is particularly popular with younger, tech-savvy residents — a demographic that cities across the nation are hoping to attract.