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Lyft plans to beef up their background checks

Posted at 6:35 PM, Jul 19, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-19 19:35:50-04

Lyft plans to start digging deeper into applicants background checks after various women accused one driver of sexual assault.

The change is for new applicants as well as current drivers.

Those who use the Lyft say it's in the best interest of the passengers.

Lyft is taking an extra step in protecting people who use their app.

"I think it's a great idea, its better safe than sorry, because sometimes you don't know you are with," said Stacey Marquez.

The ride sharing app plans to beef up it's applicant background checks by using an enhanced detection process.

"I think that's pretty good because that could save someone's life at the end," said Eris Calaberetto.

Local Lyft driver Thomas Clark gave his opinion on the new changes.

"If any potential driver who is confident in who they are they have nothing to worry about," said Thomas Clark.

Currently Lyft conducts one background check before hiring a new driver, and some criminals are slipping through the cracks.

"I think transparency for the sake of the passengers comfort and security is paramount to the success of this endeavor," said Clark.

Clarks says it's always about safety.

"Set out to bring them professionalism, love, kindness, safety security," said Clark.

"I love my passengers, I consider them family," said Clark.

Although Clark says it can be a risk for the driver as well.

"After two thousand rides, I've only been assaulted once," said Clark.

Passengers say they enjoy the convenience, but they still consider the dangers.

"After a night out it's a lot easier to get back home without thinking about the dangers of drinking and driving," said Marquez.

While Clark says it's not every driver.

"That's a little bit of bad in a world that has more good then people realize," said Clark.