They say it’s sweeter the second time around. And this holds true with Lyft nowadays.
In Lyft Colorado, solons are again discussing enhancing rider safety in the state, as the bill that would do so is once again in the Legislature.
Rider safety in the presence of drivers is crucial. According to a leading law office, Lyft saw a 31 percent increase in motor vehicle deaths from the 2019 to 2020 reporting period to 2021 to 2022, while Uber reported a 40 percent increase in fatal crashes. Even if Lyft’s statistics are focused on motorcycles, the fact that there is an increase is very alarming.
Now, a bill designed to promote passenger safety is once again in the legislative process.
House Bill 26-1424
On Thursday, the said bill, House Bill 26-1424 passed its first committee hearing in the legislative department.
“These companies move human beings around every single day,” Representative Jenny Willford chatted with Ridesharing Forum. “We regulate taxis. We regulate buses. We regulate airlines — not because we want to be punitive or punish those industries, but because when people get into a vehicle or they get on a plane, they should be able to trust that there are basic, enforceable safety standards in place.”
Interestingly enough, this bill, the first time it was heard, was vetoed by Governor Jared Polis last year.
Willford sponsored that particular bill after being a victim of rider-related incidents, specifically harassment.
The bill will also prevent drivers from using fake identities to drive for the app. Politicians vetoed the bill last year, amidst a threat that Uber will allegedly cease operations in Colorado if the bill is passed.
Representative Meg Froelich, a Democrat, also shared, “This year, we have been assured that we will get a signature and not a veto, although of course we will make sure that that remains the case as we continue to have the bill go through the system.”
Fines, penalties for violations
Now, the bill wants big ridesharing companies to conduct background checks on drivers every six months, and ban drivers convicted of assault, harassment, or domestic violence. They must also respond to search warrants and subpoenas within three days.
If caught with a fake account, using others’, they wouldn’t be able to drive for the apps they are part of. Ouch. This is to ensure that the identity recording on the official app is the same driver that passengers booked.
Furthermore, no audio or video recording will be allowed, and food inside ridesharing cars must be sealed.
Ridesharing apps working with bill sponsors
These ridesharing companies are proving they can work with the law. Stefanie Sass, part of Uber’s public relations, stated, “We are committed to continuing to work on the bill with the sponsors and the committee, and our goal is to get to a place where we can fully comply while continuing to provide safe, reliable transportation for people across Colorado.”
In other words, these ridesharing apps are working with the bill sponsors. For more ridesharing stories, sign up for your account on Ridesharing Forum today!