Uber will need to fingerprint drivers in California to transport teens

Core Viewpoint - The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has mandated that ride-hail companies, including Uber, must require fingerprint background checks for drivers transporting unaccompanied minors, which poses a challenge for Uber's recently launched service for teens [1][4][8]. Regulatory Changes - The CPUC ruling requires transport companies to pay for fingerprint background checks for drivers carrying unaccompanied minors [1][11]. - Companies must also provide information on live trip tracking, safety procedures, and driver training specifically for transporting minors [10]. Uber's Position - Uber has historically opposed fingerprint-based background checks, arguing that its name-based checks are sufficient and that such requirements could deter drivers from joining the platform [2][6]. - The company claims that less than 10% of its rides involve unaccompanied minors and emphasizes its safety features, including live trip tracking [4][6]. Industry Impact - The ruling is seen as unfavorable for Uber but beneficial for competitors like HopSkipDrive, which already implements fingerprint checks and has a dedicated safety protocol for transporting children [8][9]. - HopSkipDrive's model includes a 15-point certification for drivers, contrasting with Uber's current practices [9]. Financial Implications - Uber has expressed concerns that the cost of fingerprint checks could lead to price increases for its Uber for Teens service, similar to how it has passed costs onto customers in the past [12][13]. - The CPUC noted that if smaller companies like HopSkipDrive can absorb these costs, larger companies like Uber should be able to do so as well [13].