Edmonton city council wants controversial ride-share program Uber to stop operating in the city until a new by-law can be drafted to make room for the new option.

If Uber doesn’t cease operations, councillors agreed the city would file an injunction against the company. Uber drivers started picking up paid fares in late December.

Councillors on the executive committee passed the recommendation after a marathon six-hour meeting on Tuesday.

Coun. Andrew Knack put forward the motion. He says the status quo needs to change.

Image | Uber meeting

Caption: Cab drivers packed Edmonton city council chambers to listen to councillors discuss what to do about Uber taxis. (Laura Osman/CBC News)

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“From what I've heard from the general public, they want a new option to get around. That I heard loud and clear,” he said.

“I also heard pretty loud and clear that we need to change the existing taxi system. This motion does the necessary work to do both.”

Representatives from Uber attended Tuesday’s meeting but declined an opportunity to comment on the committee’s decision.

City officials have said in the past they consider the ride-share service illegal under the Vehicle for Hire bylaw, since Uber drivers are not licensed by the city.

The taxi industry opposes Uber because their drivers don't have to pay the licensing and insurance fees they are required to pay.