Commissioner Evans wants to fingerprint Uber, Lyft drivers

BOSTON — Boston Police Commissioner William Evans is faulting Massachusetts lawmakers for failing to require the fingerprinting of drivers for ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft.

The House and Senate approved regulations for the services Sunday night but the bill does not require fingerprinting.

Evans said Monday the goal of fingerprinting drivers is to identify those with histories of violent crimes and sexual assaults - not minor crimes. He says police already fingerprint cab drivers.

Ride-hailing companies have fought back against similar efforts in other cities, arguing that their own background checks suffice.

The bill passed Sunday requires a two-tiered system of background checks for all drivers for the app-based ride services, one conducted by the company and another by the state.

It now heads to Republican Gov. Charlie Baker's desk.

Associated Press