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PARK CITY — Utah's short-lived, high-flying taxi service for the rich and famous has been grounded.
Summit County and the helicopter companies that provided Uber Chopper rides from the Salt Lake Valley to Sundance Film Festival events in Park City agreed to halt operations effective immediately. There will be no more flights in connection with Sundance and without obtaining the necessary land use approvals, a news release stated.
The Summit County Sheriff's Office issued a cease and desist order Friday afternoon against transportation companies Uber and Blade for allegedly giving unauthorized helicopter rides. However, an Uber spokeswoman confirmed late Friday that the company planned to go ahead with the rides despite the order.
Earlier in the week, Uber and Blade began offering rides from the Salt Lake City International Airport to the film festival in Park City, a one-way trip of about 40 miles. Uber representatives said the company was charging $200 one way during the day and $300 at night.
County attorneys requested a temporary restraining order Friday to prohibit helicopter rides, but 3rd District Judge Kara Petit declined to make a decision on the issue Friday, wanting first to hear more information from both sides Monday.
Then on Saturday, the county announced that negotiations with the companies had resulted in the grounding of the flights.
"Thanks to the support and partnership we have with Sundance and Park City Municipal Corporation, we were able to come to an agreement," said Summit County spokeswoman Katie Mullaly. "We are glad to have this issue resolved, not only for the safety of all those involved, but also for the wildlife of the area, affected residents and environmental concerns."
