A ridesharing service is pressuring Tuscaloosa's city government to let it enter the market without local licensing.
Uber sent a message to its Tuscaloosa users last week seeking their support in a dispute with city officials. The city's college students are a lucrative market for the firm's business model.
Tuscaloosa authorities say Uber drivers must get vehicle inspections and purchase business licenses like other vehicle services.
Uber accuses city officials of stifling innovation.
Mayor Walter Maddox tells The Tuscaloosa News that he received 257 emails shortly after the campaign began. Maddox said the ridesharing company has to follow the standards set by the community.