Philadelphia taxi, Uber Black drivers block streets protesting Uber X, Lyft

PHILADELPHIA -- More than 100 taxi and Uber Black drivers clogged the streets surrounding City Hall on Wednesday as they protested what they call the "illegal operation" of Uber X and Lyft in Philadelphia.

The protest started around noon, causing a big traffic problem in Center City on the streets leading to and around City Hall.

At one point, some of the cab drivers got out of their vehicles and marched toward City Hall with signs. They said their concerns are public safety and they have invested in licenses, training and other things that Uber X and Lyft ignore.

Taxi drivers blocked Market Street in Center City during a protest Wednesday.

Taxi and Uber Black drivers also said they pay fees that Uber X and Lyft drivers are not paying.

They called upon city leaders and state officials to intervene to stop the operation of Uber X and Lyft.

By 1:30 p.m. police were clearing the streets so traffic could resume.

A driver was detained and ticketed by Philadelphia Police during Wednesday's protest in Center City.

At least one taxi driver was detained and ticketed during the protest.

Sister station WPVI-TV's chopper was overhead as one taxi was being towed.

Several taxicabs were ordered towed from the scene of a protest in Center City Philadelphia.

A spokesperson for Uber released the following statement on Wednesday:

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority said surface bus transportation for all Center City routes were delayed as a result of the demonstration.

Taxi drivers blocked Market Street in Center City during a protest Wednesday.