Background checks holding up Uber, Lyft deals with Sky Harbor

Airport officials are in negotiations with two popular ride-sharing services - Uber and Lyft.

 

The deal could pave the way for all of Uber's and Lyft's independent drivers to pick up passengers at Sky Harbor just like they do in several U.S. cities like San Diego, San Francisco and Denver.

 

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport spokeswoman Julie Rodriguez said the negotiations have hit a roadblock.

 

Rodriguez said the companies are hesitant about requiring their drivers to undergo the same fingerprint background checks other taxi, limousine and shuttle drivers go through at Sky Harbor.

 

"When they come in from anywhere around the world, we want to ensure that they are getting into a vehicle with a driver that's been through a thorough background check, a security threat assessment, fingerprinted, the vehicle has been inspected, has proper insurance and everything has been vetted, before they get into vehicle," Rodriguez said.

 

"Fingerprints are a regulatory burden that bring an increased cost, as well as create barriers to entry for many drivers," Lyft's government relations manager, Timothy Burr Jr., recently told the Phoenix Aviation Advisory Board.

 

Sky Harbor currently charges drivers $39 for its fingerprint background check.

 

Gassan Muhammad Ali works for a limousine service, but also drives for Uber.

 

Ali said he has no problem getting the extra permit and going through the additional background check.

 

"I'm OK with it," Ali said.  "I'm a passenger as well, so I would like to feel secure, as well."

 

Uber and Lyft currently conduct their own criminal background checks on drivers and believe that should be enough.

 

Chelsea Wilson, Lyft's public policy and communications director, sent out the following statement. 

 

"All drivers who apply to drive on the Lyft platform undergo a criminal background check (which includes a Social Security number trace, a US Department of Justice 50 State Sex Offender search, a county criminal record check, and an enhanced nationwide criminal record check), a 19-point vehicle inspection and in-person session with someone trained by Lyft HQ. Lyft also provides in-app photos of the driver and vehicle, real-time ride tracking, digital receipts, two-way rating systems, and an around-the-clock Trust and Safety team. This means consumers can provide immediate feedback on their experience and know that a Lyft team member is always available to respond to any questions or concerns.

 

"Our safety screening processes are thorough and rigorous, but they are also streamlined to ensure that everyone, including part-time drivers, participate. With 80% of Lyft drivers driving 15 hours a week or less, part-time drivers are core to the platform's success. We've seen in other markets that when you place onerous requirements on individual drivers, part-time drivers do not participate in ridesharing. No airport with whom we've entered into an operating agreement, and no city or state ordinance/law regulating markets in which we operate, requires fingerprinting." 

 

 Rodriguez said that any independent driver who goes through the proper fingerprint check and permit process is allowed to pick passengers at the Airport.

 

A number of Uber and Lyft drivers have done that on their own and are currently picking up passengers at Sky Harbor.