City Council wants more regulation for Uber, Lyft

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago's City Council is one step closer to tightening regulations on Uber and Lyft drivers.

A joint council committee approved a new ordinance which would require rideshare drivers to operate under rules similar to those cab drivers must follow.

They include criminal background checks, drug tests and city debt checks.

Lyft says the new regulations would force them out of Chicago.

Uber says the rules would change the ridesharing industry.

But aldermen supporting the measure say it's all about the passengers.

"It will make sure that the consumers are protected. Making sure that when they get into a car, they get into a car with a person that is on file. That's all this has ever been about - consumer safety," said Ald. Anthony Beale (9th ward).

Mayor Rahm Emanuel opposes the ordinance.

The full council is scheduled to vote on the measure next week.