By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington Police say the complaints that led to tickets against three Uber drivers came from other ride-for-hire competitors.

Each driver faces a minimum $250 fine for not being licensed for hire. Uber drivers are still unlicensed in Bloomington as the city is working on a policy to regulate them.

Assistant Police Chief Gary Sutherland told WJBC’s Susan Saunders the city has to determine how drivers and their vehicles will be inspected, something the police department currently oversees for taxi cab and other for-hire drivers.

“There’s a safety concern with the (Uber) drivers and the quality of the cars and the people who are (driving),” Sutherland said. “Once that gets worked out, I’m sure there will be some ordinance that comes into play.”

Assistant city manager Steve Rasmussen said the goal is to level the playing field.

“The important thing with that is for public safety, you want to have background checks and vehicle inspections,” Rasmueen said. “You want to make sure everyone is treated the same.”

Rasmuseen said the city has been meeting with Uber company officials and drivers to work on an agreement.

City officials hope to have a formal policy for alderman to consider at the net council meeting on May 26.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].