California is introducing new requirements aimed at protecting young passengers traveling unaccompanied in taxis and hitchhiking. The California Public Utilities Commission requires drivers to undergo fingerprinting in order to give a ride to an unaccompanied minor. According to TechCrunch, transportation companies will also be responsible for the cost of these checks. Companies will have 30 days to comply with this policy.
This decision will have the greatest impact on Uber, which began introducing accounts for teens last year and this year added additional security features. Uber for Teens allows minors between the ages of 13 and 17 to request a ride without a parent or guardian present, although an adult must consent to the teenager’s use of the app.
Historically, Uber has opposed fingerprinting drivers, arguing that the additional burden would discourage participation in ridesharing and that its own security guards are sufficient. In fact, this is not the first time Uber and California have clashed over fingerprinting. In this case, Uber also argues that the cost of fingerprinting will lead to higher fares for unaccompanied minors using the ridesharing service.
