Although Uber is being marketed as an innovation for the taxi service, it has also received some heavy criticism due to the safety of their passengers. For those new to Uber, it is an application-based car service from San Francisco, California, which has since spread to other parts of the U.S. and the world.
Uber’s ease of use is due to its smartphone app that receives input from users for ride requests and outputs the info to Uber drivers. The application also allows user to track the vehicle’s location.
Uber’s website disagrees with the complaints that have come to light. They state that they perform background checks that are more rigorous than the taxi industry. However, regardless of the background checking Uber says it’s performing; there have been instances where the company has fought state governments when they require more stringent background checking.
For example, in Colorado, Illinois and California, bills have all been shot down with the help of ride sharing companies. In addition to claims of the company working to curb regulations, there have also been instances where passengers have been assaulted (San Francisco), instances where reckless driving (Florida) resulted in a 6-year-old girl dying.
The United States is not the only country to face problems with Uber. Two weeks ago, New Delhi, India banned the use of Uber after passenger accused a driver of rape. The driver had a previous rape accusation on his record and he had not gone through proper background screening. In this case, it’s hard to know whether Uber’s background check system is bad or if this particular driver was less than forthcoming.
Uber, however, defends its background screening process. According to Uber’s spokesman, Lane Kasselman, “Uber [was] on track to complete more than 2 million background checks in 2014.” Furthermore, Kasselman states, “It’s a responsibility we take seriously.” Likewise, Lyft (another ride sharing program) defends that customer safety is their top priority as well. Moreover, they feel that their background checking process is superior to that of taxis and limos.
Until these ride share companies and policy makers can come to an agreement as to how to transport passengers safely, the customers using the services should always proceed with caution. If they feel that their safety has been put at risk, they should report their driver to the proper authorities (including the company).
What may need to happen in the case of Uber (and other ride sharing companies) is they need to have background checks performed by a third party company to ensure all their bases are covered.