Some Sarnia council members think the drivers of ride-hailing apps should be required to have police checks just like taxi drivers.
The idea was discussed when talking about taxi licensing on Monday.
Councillor Terry Burrell wondered how Uber and Lyft were included in the mix.
Clerk Amy Burkhart said they're considered shuttles in the taxi licensing bylaw.
"Their rates can not exceed what taxis can charge," Burkhart said. "So, we regulate them, but we do not licence them."
Mayor Mike Bradley wondered if the drivers were subjected to the same criminal checks as other drivers.
"That's a big issue elsewhere," Bradley said. "They don't go through that same process. We've had cases here -- which would be referred to you to make a judgement on -- or [they] just won't get a licence."
Burkhart said under the current bylaw Uber and Lyft drivers would not be required to.
"That strikes me as universally unfair," Bradley said. "I think we should take a good look at that, because we've had issues in the taxi community. That's why you have the criminal record checks. Yet, you don't with an Uber car. That doesn't seem fair to the cab companies or the drivers "
Sarnia council has asked staff to report back on the possibility of requiring police checks for drivers classified under shuttle services in the bylaw.
Council directed staff to work with the Sarnia Police Service to transition taxi licensing responsibilities to city staff.
