Uber is squaring off against New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.
The popular ride-booking service is protesting legislation that could cap the number of Uber cars on the streets of the nation's largest city.
Uber debuted a TV ad on Friday that suggests that the cap would hardest hit minorities in outer-borough neighbourhoods who sometimes have trouble getting yellow taxis.
Those communities make up the bulk of de Blasio's political support.
The company also targeted council members with direct mailers. A new "de Blasio" feature on its app projects increased wait times if the cap is instituted.
Uber says that the ban hurts free enterprise and could limit innovation. Supporters of the measure say that the cap would ease traffic congestion.
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