uberxIf taxi companies were concerned about competition from the new ride-sharing startups, well, they probably will be a little more worried after Uber’s latest move.

Today the transportation company announced that it is cutting prices for UberX — Uber’s lower-cost ride-sharing option — by up to 34 percent in 16 markets, including Seattle.

“As you can see, we’re going all-in on being the cheapest ride in town,” Uber wrote today.

This isn’t the first time UberX has reduced its prices as it tries to beat out both taxis and other ride-sharing startups for customers. We’ve reached out to Uber to find out exactly how much those prices will be reduced in Seattle. (Update: Prices will decrease by 15 percent in Seattle).

The discounts come as Lyft, Sidecar and UberX continue to shuttle people around the Emerald City illegally. The startups, which allow drivers to use their own cars, are operating in violation of city laws and objecting to proposed regulations that would bring them into compliance with city rules.

Still, the Seattle City Council has yet to officially decide how to regulate the companies, but is expected to do so in the next few months. The Council’s Committee for Taxi, For-Hire and Limousine Regulations will be meeting later on Jan. 30 and again on Feb. 14. We’ve reached out to find out if any laws will actually be implemented by Valentine’s Day, and will update when we hear back.

Previously on GeekWire: Why Portland is keeping Uber out of the Rose City

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