Baker files bill to beef up ride-hailing safety
Requires cos. to share more info
Gov. Charlie Baker filed legislation Wednesday aimed at protecting ridehailing passengers from fraudulent and abusive drivers, but companies that provide the service are voicing concern about the amount of data they would have to give the state under the proposed law.
Drivers who practice “account renting,” or letting other people use their identity to give rides, would face up to two and half years in a house of correction under Baker’s bill. It would also make it a criminal offense for a driver to exploit the personal information of a rider to stalk, harass or defraud them.
“The point here in the legislation is to basically say, ‘You are providing somebody with a professional service. Period. And that should be the beginning and the end of your relationship with them,’ ” Baker said.
The proposal calls for transportation networking companies like Uber or Lyft to share statistics on the miles and minutes of each trip with the Department of Public Utilities on a monthly basis and increase fines and penalties for drivers who break the law.
Ride-hailing companies would have to provide more detailed location data, information on whether shared rides were successfully matched and accident statistics. The companies would also be required to report emission data by combining the total miles and minutes that each vehicle is on the road with the vehicle make, model and year information.
Lyft has privacy concerns about the implications of the “extensive data” the administration is seeking, according to a company spokeswoman. An Uber spokeswoman said that company officials “look forward to reviewing the legislation.”
Meanwhile, the City Council is set to hold hearings on the way the ridehailing companies operate to address traffic, congestion and safety issues. The council will look at possible fees, as well as establishing more pickup and drop-off zones to reduce stops on busy streets.