America’s Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association (TLPA) and National Limousine Association (NLA) are calling for fingerprint-based background checks for all drivers for hire.
In a joint statement announcing their collective stance, the organizations highlight the safety benefits offered by such biometric background checks, which can help ensure that passengers are in good hands when hiring cabs and other such services. TLPA President Dwight Kines asserted that there “simply is no substitute” for such checks, adding, “You can fake a name or a social security number, but fingerprints don’t lie.”
It’s a move aimed at undermining new, unregulated cab services such as Uber and Lyft, both of which have vehemently resisted municipal regulations mandating biometric background checks, going so far as to halt their services in major cities when such measure are imposed. Traditional cab services are fighting for marketshare against these new services, and as such their adherence to biometric background checks could prove advantageous.
They aren’t alone in their stance. The International Biometrics + Identity Association also recently came out in favor of biometric background checks for ride hailing services. With more voices joining the chorus, government officials will have even reason to adopt biometric regulations, and Uber and Lyft may ultimately find themselves persuaded to accept them.
–
June 22, 2016 – by Alex Perala
Follow Us