Members of Congress ask Uber, Lyft, Sidecar to adopt fingerprint-based background checks

Rep. Rosa Delauro (D-CT) has joined seven other members of Congress in asking rideshare companies including Uber, Lyft and Sidecar to perform fingerprint background checks on drivers before they can start working.

The proposal comes in light of recent reports of alleged sexual assaults by freelance drivers in Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago.

“While we understand your companies conduct private background checks when vetting potential drivers, you should take additional steps to increase the safety of your customers,” they wrote. “Specifically, we urge you to adopt comprehensive, fingerprint-based background checks for new and existing drivers.”

The letters were sent to Uber CEO Travis Kalanick, Lyft CEO Logan Green, and Sidecar CEO Suni Pual.

Uber, Lyft and Sidecar currently contract with private companies to conduct background checks by running Social Security numbers against county-by-county online records. However, fingerprint checks are more comprehensive and are linked to the nation’s Department of Justice and FBI databases.