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Should Uber and Lyft drivers be required to do biometric testing for background checks?
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Oct 5, 2017
Listen 14:10
Should Uber and Lyft drivers be required to do biometric testing for background checks?
State regulators will not require Uber and Lyft drivers to do biometric background checks, such as fingerprinting, a subject that’s been hotly debated by taxi groups and the rideshare companies.
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22:  In this Photo Illustration, a phone displays the Uber ride-hailing app on September 22, 2017 in London, England. The Transport Regulator has announced that it will not re-new the company's licence to operate in London as it's current service is "not fit and proper".  (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)
In this Photo Illustration, a phone displays the Uber ride-hailing app on September 22, 2017 in London, England.
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Leon Neal/Getty Images
)

State regulators will not require Uber and Lyft drivers to do biometric background checks, such as fingerprinting, a subject that’s been hotly debated by taxi groups and the rideshare companies.

State regulators will not require Uber and Lyft drivers to do biometric background checks, such as fingerprinting, a subject that’s been hotly debated by taxi groups and the rideshare companies.

What remains in place in California are commercial background checks accredited by an industry association and annual screenings. The California Public Utilities Commission, which oversees ride-hailing companies, is declining to require biometric screening. Taxi drivers must do biometric testing and have expressed safety concerns over the lack of biometric background checks with Uber and Lyft.

The ridesharing companies have argued that another layer of background checks will not offer more safety to passengers. What do you think of biometric background checks? Do you think Uber and Lyft should do more to ensure passenger safety?

Guests:

Dave Sutton, spokesperson for Who’s Driving You?, a public safety campaign on behalf of the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association

Harry Campbell, Uber and Lyft driver and founder of theRideShareGuy.com, a blog and podcast for rideshare drivers; he tweets

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