Showdown Over City's Uber, Lyft Rules Set For City Council

CHICAGO (CBS) -- More than 100,000 supporters of ride-sharing companies Uber and Lyft, on the verge of a major crackdown by the city, have signed a petition fighting new proposed rules.

However, the alderman behind the push says he has enough support to pass it.

The city's new ride-sharing rules are up for debate in City Council on Wednesday.

Opponents says the proposals could double the cost to use the service and potentially put thousands of drivers out of a job.

Lamont Campbell says his source of income could be in jeopardy .

It would require him, and more than 30,000 Uber and Lyft drivers in Chicago, to get the same chauffeur's license required for cab drivers.

Ninth Ward Ald. Anthony Beale disagrees.

"Uber is always saying the sky is falling," he said

Beale wants drivers to be fingerprinted by a city-approved vendor, go through a background check and get their vehicles inspected by the city.

The process would cost drivers $115.

An Uber rep says the new rules would cut down the pool of drivers, send prices sky high and make wait times longer.

"Are they afraid that most of their drivers are people that you don't want your mothers or daughters to get in the car with?" Beale said. "Are they afraid we're going to expose who they really are?"

Uber argues that drivers already have to pass a background check and motor vehicle inspection, plus provide proof of insurance.

But Beale says that's not enough. The playing field with taxi cabs needs to be leveled.

A vote is expected next Monday.

Right now, more than 30 aldermen have co-sponsored the bill.