Colorado fines Uber $8.9M for nearly 60 problem drivers
DENVER — Colorado regulators issued an $8.9 million fine against Uber’s parent company on Monday for allowing employees with serious criminal or motor vehicle offences to work for the company as drivers.
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission said it launched an investigation into the ride-hailing service in March after an Uber passenger said his driver assaulted him in the mountain resort town of Vail.
Within the last year and a half, the commission said it found that nearly 60 Uber drivers were allowed to work in Colorado despite having previous felony convictions. The drivers included a habitual offender, a former prison escape and others with major traffic violations including drunk driving.
Colorado state law prevents people with felony convictions, alcohol or drug-related driving offences, unlawful sexual offences and major traffic violations from working for rideshare companies.