Drivers mount Uber challenge in NSW court

A group representing taxi drivers and a Sydney man who performs "citizen arrests" on unwitting UberX drivers have teamed up to challenge the ride-sharing operation in the NSW Supreme Court.

The Australian Taxi Drivers Association and self-styled anti-Uber vigilante Russell Howarth have filed documents asking the court to ban Uber Australia and Uber BV from offering smartphone apps that allow "unaccredited persons" to carry paying passengers within NSW.

The request comes as part of a cross-claim to ongoing civil proceedings launched by Uber against Mr Howarth.

The injunction, if granted, would only affect the UberX service, but not UberTaxi or UberBlack, which provide services licensed under existing legislation.

Documents filed in the Supreme Court on Friday argue that Uber BV - a Netherlands-registered company that provides Uber's platform and technology - is aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring a contravention of the Passenger Transport Act of 1990.

Both sides of NSW politics have acknowledged a need for regulatory clarity when it comes to Uber, and the government has already set up a taskforce to examine the future of the taxi industry and the need for an "even playing field".

"Uber is confident of the outcome of the case and looks forward to continuing its successful operations in NSW," an Uber spokesman said.