By the Kent Redding Group
AUSTIN, TX. – There’s no doubt that when both Uber and Lyft left town last year there was a significant “void” left in the ride-hailing market here in Austin Texas.
Both companies chose to leave town over what they called “onerous regulations” which included fingerprinting requirements but they could both come back soon if Governor Greg Abbott signs a new law which will effectively end the fingerprinting requirements.
Criminal Background Checks Are Still Required
Uber, Lyft, and other ride-hailing companies are still not off the hook, even if fingerprinting is no longer required to hire drivers because these companies will still have to conduct criminal background checks on prospective drivers before letting them represent their respective brands on the streets of Austin Texas.
Good or Bad?
Upon hearing that Governor Abbott would sign this legislation, Austin’s Mayor Steve Adler and Houston’s Mayor Sylvester Turner both voiced their disdain and said that the Governor’s efforts were “another example of the legislature circumventing local control to allow corporations to profit at the expense of public safety.”
Why do Mayor Adler and Mayor Turner both feel so strongly that ride hailing companies like Uber and Lyft should fingerprint their employees?
The answer to this question is simple; taxi and limo companies have long been required to fingerprint people for years before hiring them but both Uber and Lyft felt that these regulations would hurt competitivity in the long run and that statewide rules should be implemented to regulate the ride-hailing market.
Since Uber and Lyft’s departure from Austin we’ve seen smaller ride-hailing services take Austin by storm including Fare, Fasten, Get Me and Ride Austin.
We’ve certainly not been without ride-hailing choices but seeing the return of two of the top ride-hailing companies in the world will offer travelers the comfort of being able to use either company in Austin although for some people the issues of personal safety when using both Uber and Lyft will still be there.
Learn More About Austin
To learn more about Austin Texas, or to view homes for sale, contact the Kent Redding Group today by calling us at (512) 306-1001 or click here to connect with us online.
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