In the Keystone State, using Uber and Lyft might start to look different.
In order to reduce the possibility of customers getting into the wrong car, state Representative Ann Flood (R-Northhampton) has proposed Sami’s Law, which would require Uber and Lyft to post a barcode or other machine-readable code on the outside of a vehicle.
The 2019 death of 21-year-old Samantha Josephson in South Carolina raised concerns about the safety of ride-sharing applications. After ordering an Uber, Josephson got into the wrong car, thinking it was her trip. The phony driver kidnapped and killed her after using child locks on the door to stop her from leaving.
A document dated January 13 notes that some states have begun to implement Sami’s Law-like legislation. The Samantha L. Josephson Ridesharing Safety Act of 2019 in South Carolina fined those who falsely claimed to be authorized drivers and mandated that ride-share cars show license plate numbers on the front.
Furthermore, a rule was passed in New Jersey requiring businesses to provide drivers of ride-share vehicles with two credential badges, which are displayed on the front and rear windows.
“I think Pennsylvania ought to have comparable legislation,” Flood stated in the memo. According to my legislation, a driver working for a Transportation Network Company (TNC) must be given a barcode or machine-readable code that is specific to them and must be prominently displayed so that the rider may easily locate it before getting inside the vehicle. Criminal sanctions are also included by this legislation for those who disregard these regulations.
“I humbly request your assistance in maintaining the safety of our ride-sharing community,” Flood stated.
Stories by
Kaylyn Greene