Should Uber, Lyft Implement Mandatory Fingerprinting For Drivers?
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Heading to Austin, Texas anytime soon?
If so, don't expect to grab a ride from Uber or Lyft as both ride-sharing companies have stopped serving that city.
The reason? Austin voters decided they wanted extra regulations, such as mandatory fingerprinting for ride-sharing drivers.
So, should Los Angeles follow suit?
"That's a tough one because I don't want them to like get rid of it like Austin just did because that's like how I get around," said passenger Kevin Althoff. "Like, I would never take a Taxi."
But Mary Salimi, another passenger, says, "if they obviously don't want to do the fingerprints then they have something to hide."
Back in March, Mayor Eric Garcetti tried to require fingerprinting for drivers, but state regulators in charge of the companies denied his request.
Instead, regulators want to decide for the entire state of California whether it should be required. It will be at least a few more months before any ruling.
Despite the companies strong stance against fingerprinting in Austin, Forbes.com found that Uber did test out the process last year in L.A. and Burbank.
An Uber spokesperson wouldn't comment but said they are always examining ways to improve the safety for riders.
Presently, to become an Uber or Lyft driver, a person has to undergo a background check but need not get fingerprinted.
Both companies said in statements they are disappointed about the situation in Austin but feel their background checks are just as good as others.