In a recent effort to provide stronger regulations for commercial transportation services, the city of Austin, Texas enacted regulations making it difficult for businesses like Uber and Lyft to operate within the city limits without first making serious changes. Among the requirements for drivers? Criminal background checks and commercial insurance. While some parties see this as unnecessary regulation and even invasive, there is a good reason why all passengers should be invested in the idea of Uber and Lyft background checks and why you should demand the same when you book a car service in Chicago, like Signature Transport.
The Major Reasons Austin Gave Uber and Lyft the Boot
The city of Austin’s regulations and concerns are not unique. While Uber and Lyft do require that drivers maintain a vehicle in good working order, one that is typically no more than 10-13 years old, background checks and driver experience requirements are minimal, and there are no drug or alcohol screenings performed in many cities.
A quick search of the web shows that the consequences of such lax regulation can be devastating. Dozens of pedestrians worldwide have died because of inexperienced, distracted, or intoxicated rideshare drivers. And, in some locations, reports of assaults on female passengers are commonplace. This trend has many wondering why Uber and Lyft don’t take the simple steps needed to protect their passengers.
While the idea of ride sharing may be a sound way to reduce traffic congestion and keep intoxicated drivers off the streets, particularly in portions of the city not properly served by taxi and other public transportation services, putting passengers at the mercy of un-vetted, inexperienced drivers is irresponsible, to say the least.
Could This Happen in Chicago?
In any city where people have a voice in government, there is a possibility for new regulation to affect business. Chicago is no different. If the people – or their governmental representatives – were to decide that more needed to be done to keep rideshare passengers safe when using services like Uber and Lyft, it could spell trouble for companies who are unable or unwilling to comply. This could make it very difficult for passengers to find the transportation they want in the city.
Considering the relative newness of these companies – Lyft was founded in 2012 – there is still much to be learned about how to properly protect passengers who choose to use these services and how to effectively regulate this type of business, so change is always a possibility.
Trust Signature Transport for a Safe Ride
Unlike fly-by-night app services, the drivers at Signature Transport are experts. They come to us with no less than five years’ professional driving experience and are required to undergo thorough drug and alcohol screenings both before and during their term of employment. You can enter our cars with the sure knowledge that are our vehicles clean and new, our drivers are of the highest quality, and you and your guests are safe.
Hire a Car Service You Know You Can Trust for Your Next Chicago Event
You don’t have to go through the hassle of dubious Uber and Lyft background checks for your transportation needs. For more information, or to book reliable Chicago car service, contact Signature Transport at (844) 266-5784 or visit us in person at 2300 Hamilton Road in Arlington Heights.