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But Uber quickly branched out to other Metro municipalities, including the Surrey neighbourhoods of Newton, Fleetwood and Panorama Ridge.

On Friday, the city told Uber to get out of town.

“City staff has contacted Uber and advised that Surrey city council has not yet provided its official position on how it wishes to deal with ride-hailing business licences,” said Rob Costanzo, the city’s general manager of corporate services. “Until a decision is made, ride-hailing companies are precluded from operating within Surrey’s boundaries.”

But Michael van Hemmen, Uber’s manager for western Canada, said Surrey can’t keep the company out.

“The Passenger Transportation Board and the provincial government have given Uber all necessary licences authorizing Uber to continue operating across Metro Vancouver and in the city of Surrey,” van Hemmen said Saturday.

On Sunday afternoon, the company’s smartphone app showed Uber cars in service and accepting rides. However, at least one Uber driver was flagged by Surrey bylaw officers who then issued the driver a warning notice for operating without a business licence.

McCallum said he doesn’t want ride-hailing companies in Surrey because they hurt the city’s taxi cabs.

“Cab drivers live in Surrey and the modest wages they earn go to support their families,” the mayor said, before drawing a line in the sand at city hall. “I will not be supporting the issuing of ride-hailing business licences.”

But van Hemmen said the threat of local fines won’t keep Uber out of Surrey.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support from people across Metro Vancouver,” he said.

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