Lyft is piloting its personal , a lot as Uber did . This function confirms to drivers that the particular person 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 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 will additionally present a authorities ID, resembling a driver’s license, passport or state ID card as a way 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 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 instances.)
Ridesharing poses vital security dangers for drivers. Between 2017 and 2019, Lyft obtained stories of sexual assault (although it didn’t differentiate between these allegedly dedicated in opposition to drivers vs passengers). Driving gig staff additionally face the chance of . The hope is that verification packages like this one may make drivers really feel extra comfy when letting a stranger into their car. One in all Lyft’s different current measures to enhance driver security is the function, which was to extra cities in February.