A month ago I traveled via Amtrak to a city with possibly the highest murder rate in America. I'm not sure if it's Number One. Back when I was in graduate school, Cleveland strove for that dubious distinction. My destination was ten miles outside the city. Upon arriving at the train station, I had to decide whether to take a taxi or Uber. Fearing a poorly-background-checked Uber driver, I entered the queue and took the next available taxi.
This driver didn't know the location of my well-known destination so I looked it up. He entered the address into his GPS, put his phone to his ear, and thereafter drove at high speed without ever putting more than one hand on the steering wheel (No, I'm not exaggerating). I arrived in record time, being glad that I was still alive. I took Uber for the return trip. This car was cleaner and the driver was careful. The ride also cost me half as much.
Uber and Lyft have resisted the fingerprinting of their drivers, fearing the loss of some drivers followed by an increase in waiting time (as has been reported). Yet, their business might actually increase for surely others have the same safety concerns as me. Yes, fingerprinting (which has been done to virtually every American) would require Uber and Lyft to distinguish risky potential drivers from others. Judgment would have to be used. But isn't this what every business person is expected to do?
This driver didn't know the location of my well-known destination so I looked it up. He entered the address into his GPS, put his phone to his ear, and thereafter drove at high speed without ever putting more than one hand on the steering wheel (No, I'm not exaggerating). I arrived in record time, being glad that I was still alive. I took Uber for the return trip. This car was cleaner and the driver was careful. The ride also cost me half as much.
Uber and Lyft have resisted the fingerprinting of their drivers, fearing the loss of some drivers followed by an increase in waiting time (as has been reported). Yet, their business might actually increase for surely others have the same safety concerns as me. Yes, fingerprinting (which has been done to virtually every American) would require Uber and Lyft to distinguish risky potential drivers from others. Judgment would have to be used. But isn't this what every business person is expected to do?