Michigan Shooting Spree Renews Uber Safety Discussion In Mass.
BOSTON (CBS) - When Boston Police rolled out a new initiative Monday to fingerprint more than 6,000 taxi drivers for background checks, Commissioner William Evans said it's about time Uber does the same.
"It's the gold standard," Evans said. "You never know what's in someone's past. You don't know how thorough their checks are or not. Fingerprinting is the best way to do it."
Headlines from Michigan have put the issue on the front burner, with reports that shooting suspect Jason Dalton picked up Uber fares between shootings.
While he did pass background checks, the news reawakens the discussion around ride-share safety. Massachusetts legislators have held hearings on how to regulate Uber and Lyft.
Governor Charlie Baker has announced recommendations, and Senator Linda Dorcena Forry (D-Dorchester) and Representative Michael Moran (D-Brighton) proposed a bill that includes a fingerprint requirement.
"In particular in Southie, where women have been attacked, where around the country, there have been issues brewing around ride-sharing companies," said Forry. "We're not trying to eliminate them; however, there have to be some processes that are in place to protect people."
Legislators hope to pass regulations in the next few weeks or months.
Commissioner Evans said Boston Police invited Uber to use its new fingerprinting machines. So far, the company has resisted.
A spokesperson said Uber uses an independent third-party company to check all drivers' federal, state, and local criminal background, as well as driving records. She said forcing fingerprints is unnecessary.
