Lyft is testing a brand new rider verification security measure

Lyft is piloting its personal , a lot as Uber did . This characteristic confirms to drivers that the individual 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 providers it’s 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 so as to be verified. As soon as a rider completes the method, drivers will see a verification badge on that individual’s profile.

For now, no less than, the verification course of is not obligatory, 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 may see longer wait occasions.)

Ridesharing poses important security dangers for drivers. Between 2017 and 2019, Lyft acquired experiences 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 applications like this one may make drivers really feel extra comfortable when letting a stranger into their automobile. Considered one of Lyft’s different latest measures to enhance driver security is the characteristic, which was to extra cities in February.