Sao Paulo, Sep 9 (EFE).– Taxi drivers here in Brazil’s largest city blocked traffic on Wednesday to protest against Uber, the app-based private driver service that has triggered controversy and legal disputes around the world.

The cabbies gathered in front of Sao Paulo city hall, where the councilors are scheduled to vote on Wednesday for a second time on an ordinance banning Uber and other smartphone-based ride-sharing services.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s second city, witnessed a similar protest by taxi drivers in July.

The huge gathering of cabs and cabbies on Wednesday clogged the city’s downtown, where a large number of Sao Paulo’s public buildings are located, and left a large number of citizens without taxi service.

Given this situation, San Francisco-based Uber launched a campaign in Sao Paulo offering free rides provided by the drivers associated with Uber.

Sao Paulo Mayor Fernando Haddad is expected to sign the anti-Uber ordinance if it is approved by the city council. EFE