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Flatbush Scoop · Aug 23, 2026

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City Council Transportation Committee Chair Shaun Abreu is urging Apple to remove the Empower ride-share app from its App Store in New York City, saying the service is operating without a required TLC license. The city says Empower has operated without authorization since 2022, owes more than $45,000 in fines, and does not comply with certain safety, worker-protection and congestion-related requirements. Empower, which advertises fares roughly 20% below Uber and Lyft, has pushed back on the criticism.

City Council Transportation Committee Chair Shaun Abreu is urging Apple to remove the Empower ride-share app from its App Store in New York City, saying the service is operating without a required TLC license. The city says Empower has operated without authorization since 2022, owes more than $45,000 in fines, and does not comply with certain safety, worker-protection and congestion-related requirements. Empower, which advertises fares roughly 20% below Uber and Lyft, has pushed back on the criticism.

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