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Uber, taxi drivers could face more scrutiny Thursday Jun 29, 2017 at 6:20 PM Jun 29, 2017 at 6:52 PM Damian Mann Mail Tribune @reporterdm Tougher background checks for taxi and Uber drivers could be part of Medford's proposed rules that could pave the way for ride-share companies in the city. A nationwide background check for taxi and Uber drivers could soon replace the current Oregon-only search as Medford City Council considers allowing ride-share companies in town. "There's a hole in our code," Deputy City Attorney Kevin McConnell said. "We need to fix it." The council Thursday agreed to continue studying whether Uber and Lyft could operate in the city and how to create regulations that would apply equally to the ride-share companies and local taxi businesses. Uber has indicated it wants to set up local operations, and local taxi companies have voiced opposition. "My goal is to make sure we're treating people as fairly as we can," McConnell said. While the city could have some different requirements for Uber and local taxi companies because of the nature of their business models, generally the council wanted a level playing field as it considered transportation network companies such as Uber. "I'm more interested in something that's identical for taxis and TNCs," Councilor Dick Gordon said. He said taxis run on old technology, while Uber and Lyft offer a new way to get a ride through an app on the phone that would be of benefit to the local community. "We're doing a disservice to our citizens," he said. However, one taxi driver in the audience said there are local taxi companies that do have ride-hailing apps. Under the proposed city regulations, taxi licenses for drivers would no longer be required if the city didn’t perform the background checks.  Operators would be required to obtain a business license and regulatory license. Salem officials last week approved allowing ride-sharing companies to operate in the city. Bend, Eugene and Portland also allow transportation network companies, though Uber pulled out of Eugene after it was fined for failing to follow city rules.  One of the big concerns for the city is the potential pitfalls in creating regulations where Uber and Lyft operate fairly at the Medford airport. "There are intricacies that are very tricky for us," airport Director Bern Case said. In order to receive federal grants, the airport must treat all similar entities the same, he said. "Some airports love Uber, some don't want to do business with them," he said. If the feds don't think the airport is treating ancillary businesses fairly, it could impact grants. "Having grants suspended for us can be $5 million to $6 million over six months," he said. Case said he thought the obstacles aren't insurmountable, but he said there would be challenges that have to be dealt with before the city allows ride-share companies. He said he would want Uber and Lyft to pick up passengers in the same area where taxis are located, while noting that he's seen some squabbles among taxi companies over the years. Councilors also wondered whether Uber and Lyft are cheaper than cabs. Many online comparison sites give a competitive edge to taxis as far as price. "My experience is if you know the cab driver it can be cheaper than Uber, but if you don't know, it could be more," Councilor Clay Bearnson said. Councilors said they wanted to hold a public hearing to get comments from both taxi companies and representatives from Uber and Lyft. Other regulations being considered by the city include providing reasonable accommodations for the disabled, including allowing guide dogs or wheelchairs. Under the proposed regulations, drivers would have to have larger insurance polices for both taxis and ride-share companies. — Reach reporter Damian Mann at 541-776-4476 or [email protected]. Follow him on www.twitter.com/reporterdm. Should Medford treat taxi and Uber drivers the same? Yes, in the interest of public safety No, Uber drivers shouldn't face same requirements Don't care survey maker