The companies' agreement with Governor Charlie Baker's administration requires a state-run check in addition to the usual check through an independent contractor. Fingerprinting, however, will not be required.

Massachusetts is increasing the pressure on Uber and Lyft to hire dependably safe drivers. Adam Vaccaro writes, "The popular on-demand ride services already require their drivers to pass background checks conducted by third-party vendors before they can get on the road. But a law passed over the summer brought the state into the fold, requiring drivers to both pass the company check and one from the state." Current drivers must pass the new checks by April 3, 2017.
"The state will conduct Criminal Offender Record Information and Sex Offender Registry Information background checks and consult Registry of Motor Vehicles records to determine drivers' suitability. The state will also know whether applicants face any arrest warrants in Massachusetts, which Uber and Lyft cannot determine."
The agreement provides that "one past incident of violent crime, sexual assault, driving under the influence, reckless driving, or driver's license suspension could be grounds for denying an applicant." In a compromise, the state will not require driver fingerprinting.
Under the Massachusetts system, "Different offenses will draw different levels of scrutiny. For example, officials will search for reckless driving convictions within the last seven years, but the 'look-back period' for a sex offense is unlimited. Drivers with more than four traffic violations or at-fault accidents on their record over a three-year period will be denied."
FULL STORY: Uber, Lyft drivers to face background checks sooner than expected

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
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