Lyft is piloting its personal rider verification program, a lot as Uber did earlier this yr. This function confirms to drivers that the individual getting of their car 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 affirm riders’ authorized names utilizing third-party databases, however has not disclosed which providers it is utilizing. If a rider is unable to be verified in a type of unspecified databases, they’ll additionally present a authorities ID, akin 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 individual’s profile.
For now, at the least, the verification course of is not necessary, though Lyft’s FAQ says that “riders are highly encouraged to participate.” 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 may see longer wait instances.)
Ridesharing poses vital safety dangers for drivers. Between 2017 and 2019, Lyft acquired greater than 4,000 reviews of sexual assault (although it didn’t differentiate between these allegedly dedicated towards drivers vs passengers). Driving gig staff additionally face the chance of carjacking and different violent crimes. The hope is that verification applications like this one may make drivers really feel extra comfortable when letting a stranger into their car. One in every of Lyft’s different current measures to enhance driver safety is the Ladies+ Join function, which was expanded to extra cities in February.
