The city of St. Paul passed new regulations for transportation network companies, including the popular ride-sharing company Uber.

The new regulations require all Uber drivers to have their vehicle inspected once a year by a city-approved mechanic and to clearly identify their vehicles’ affiliation with Uber using windshield decals. Drivers must also carry proof that they are covered by Uber’s insurance policy all times. The company must also conduct background checks on all drivers.

Kenny Psai, Uber’s St. Paul/Minneapolis general manager, said the company is willing to work with the city regarding the structure of the ride-sharing service.

“Earlier this summer, we started talking again with the city on to actually structure this things,” Psai said. “It’s been a really good conversation so far.”

Psai said Uber already conducts background checks of its drivers at county and state levels as well as social security traces. The company also checks the national sex offender registry and driving records.

Uber partners with several mechanic shops around the Twin Cities to make sure its drivers’ vehicles can be inspected per the city of St. Paul’s requirements.

Psai said he appreciates the city’s input.

“I definitely support what we’re trying to do here and I support what the city’s trying to do, in making sure of safety … while also allowing for the industry and the business model to thrive,” Psai said.

TC Culp, an Uber driver, said it took about a week after he first applied for Uber to complete background checks on him, during which time he participated in online training.

“(The training) was adequate to understand how the system works, on how to use the Uber system using your iPhone,” he said. “As far as getting around town and all that, I guess that stuff you’ve got to know yourself.”

While most students are cautious about how they use Uber, many have had good experiences with the company.

Sophomore Elizabeth Hughes, who uses Uber about twice a month to visit friends at the University of Minnesota, said she has always felt safe during her rides but only because she is never alone.

“With my friends, I feel a lot more comfortable than I would have if I was riding alone with my driver,” Hughes said.

Sophomore Devan Johnson, another Uber user, also said she would never use it alone.

“I’ve used it with groups of friends each time,” said Johnson. “Although I have gotten good service that has been efficient… I would recommend that Uber is never to be used alone.”

Both students agreed that the new regulations will help to keep the service safe.

“It helps the customers, like college students, know that their driver is going to get them to their destination in a timely manner while creating a comfortable atmosphere in the vehicle,” said Hughes.

“It would only be keeping customers and citizens safe, which is the goal,” Johnson said.

Lauren Schaffran can be reached at scha7492@stthomas.edu.