Lyft is testing a new rider verification safety measure

Lyft is piloting its personal , a lot as Uber did . This characteristic confirms to drivers that the particular person getting of their automobile is who they are saying they’re. This system is launching first in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Jacksonville, Miami, Phoenix and Seattle.

Lyft will verify riders’ authorized names utilizing third-party databases, however has not disclosed which companies it’s utilizing. If a rider is unable to be verified in a kind of unspecified databases, they’ll additionally present a authorities ID, similar to a driver’s license, passport or state ID card to be able to be verified. As soon as a rider completes the method, drivers will see a verification badge on that particular person’s profile.

For now, at the very least, the verification course of is not necessary, though Lyft’s FAQ says that “riders are extremely inspired to take part.” If this system works as Lyft is anticipating, then drivers could also be extra inclined to just accept requests from verified riders (and unverified riders might see longer wait occasions.)

Ridesharing poses vital security dangers for drivers. Between 2017 and 2019, Lyft obtained reviews of sexual assault (although it didn’t differentiate between these allegedly dedicated towards drivers vs passengers). Driving gig employees additionally face the chance of . The hope is that verification packages like this one might make drivers really feel extra comfortable when letting a stranger into their automobile. Certainly one of Lyft’s different latest measures to enhance driver security is the characteristic, which was to extra cities in February.