Trevor Hughes

USA TODAY

Uber and Lyft drivers in Chicago are awaiting a vote next week that could force them to comply with many of the same kinds of regulations city-licensed taxis must meet. The companies have threatened to leave the city if they consider the final rules too onerous.

A subcommittee of the Chicago City Council approved the “Rideshare Reform” proposal unanimously Friday, and the measure faces a full vote from the council as soon as Wednesday.

The proposal — opposed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel — requires that drivers get background checks and chauffeur licenses, and ensure that some vehicles are accessible to the disabled.

Uber and Lyft oppose the measure, arguing their drivers already undergo background checks, and that forcing them to meet the same kinds of rules as taxis makes their business model impractical.

Uber, Lyft threaten to leave Chicago ahead of license vote

The ride-hailing services work via smartphone app by pairing drivers with passengers, and the cheapest level of service is usually significantly less expensive than a similar taxi ride. It’s usually cheaper because the drivers use their personal vehicles.

The face-off in Chicago comes weeks after Uber and Lyft ended operations in Austin after voters rejected a proposal by the companies to self-regulate their drivers and mandated that drivers undergo fingerprint background checks and have emblems on their cars.

The debate in Chicago is the latest battleground over stiffening regulation for ride-hailing app drivers that's also brewing in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami and Seattle.

Uber, Lyft halt Austin service after losing vote

Uber and Lyft launched a public relations blitz on social media and with ads on local television and in newspapers ahead of Friday’s vote, calling on Chicagoans to side with them in the debate.

Emanuel argues the city shouldn’t license the approximately 90,000 Uber and Lyft drivers because they might leave at a time when the city is trying to attract more young, well-educated people who tend to be the companies' best customers. The two companies often launch their services without getting advance permission, and then use their popularity to push back against additional licensing efforts backed by their competitors, taxi companies.