### Primary Article: Background Checks Now Mandatory for Ride-Share Drivers in Baja California
Starting September 1, individuals with criminal records will be prohibited from working as drivers for the ride-sharing platforms Uber and Didi in Baja California. This decision, confirmed by Jorge Gutiérrez Topete, director of the Instituto de Movilidad Sustentable (Imos), follows the implementation of stricter registration protocols for these drivers.
“Several drivers with criminal records have attempted to register, but their applications have been denied,” Gutiérrez Topete stated. He cited that, within the initial days of operating the macro centers for driver registrations, five drivers were denied due to criminal records that had somehow slipped through the platforms’ screening processes yet were caught by Imos.
The registration process for drivers, which commenced in 2021, will conclude on August 31, 2024. Post this deadline, unregistered drivers may incur fines and have their vehicles impounded. This action follows the tragic femicide of Paola Bañuelos in Mexicali, leading to an overhaul in the regulatory environment. Paola, who went missing on July 8 after booking a ride on Didi, was found dead four days later. The driver, Sergio Daniel “N”, is currently under criminal investigation.
To streamline and enforce these new measures, macro centers dedicated to the registration and verification of drivers and their vehicles are operational in Tijuana, Mexicali, and Ensenada. Consequently, only 20% of the approximate 24,900 drivers operating in the region have sought registration, with only 6,189 officially registered as of August 14, 2024. Imos has made it clear to Uber and Didi that, starting September 1, drivers without this registration will be ineligible to operate.
Gutiérrez Topete concluded, “We need certainty that these individuals don’t have criminal records,” emphasizing the importance of these enhanced security measures.
### Secondary Article: Ride-Share Drivers Voicing Safety Concerns Over Night Shifts
In addition to the recent regulatory changes requiring background checks, ride-share drivers operating in Tijuana have expressed concerns over safety during night shifts and in high-risk areas. Recent reports indicate that drivers are increasingly avoiding these sessions due to the higher incidence of criminal activity and potential danger to their lives.
Local enforcement agencies are urged to collaborate more closely with the ride-sharing platforms to ensure the safety and security of both drivers and passengers. However, the new registration measures are a step in this direction, aiming to create a safer work environment by filtering out potentially dangerous individuals from operating within these platforms.
Many drivers have welcomed the state’s initiative but emphasize that further steps are needed to address the broader security challenges that come with working in certain areas. This includes increased police patrols in high-risk zones and better communication protocols for emergencies.
As the ride-sharing industry continues to evolve in Baja California, these changes represent a significant shift towards prioritizing the safety and security of all stakeholders involved.