In a move to strengthen its security measures, Lyft announced on Tuesday the launch of a new rider verification pilot program aimed at helping drivers confirm the identities of passengers
Lyft’s new program is being implemented in nine markets, including Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Jacksonville, Miami, Phoenix, and Seattle. The company declined to specify the date for expanding its presence to additional cities.
A verification badge will now be displayed next to the rider’s profile, signifying that Lyft has verified that they are using their legal name.
Lyft utilizes third-party databases to verify the identity of passengers, including their legal name and phone number, according to a spokesperson for the company who explained to TechCrunch. Nevertheless, they did not specify the third-party databases that are employed.
If the name on the rider’s profile is not their legal name, they are prompted to input it before the following verification process commences.
If their information cannot be verified, they may be required to submit official government identification, such as a passport, state ID, or driver’s license. If passengers cannot provide documents, they may contact Lyft Support to propose an alternative.
Furthermore, passengers may utilize the “Change rider” option when requesting transport for someone other than themselves. A Lyft account with a verification badge is required for all visitor passengers.
Nevertheless, drivers have the option to accept trips without badges. On its website, Lyft cautions that passengers who do not possess them may encounter “extended pickup and arrival times.”
Following the introduction of Uber’s initiative earlier this year, Lyft’s new program operates similarly. Uber, like Lyft, utilizes personal information cross-referencing and indicates a blue checkmark on the profiles of verified passengers. Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, and Miami are among the 15 locations in which it is currently accessible.
When accepting passengers, rideshare drivers are perpetually exposed to danger. Nevertheless, the risks may be even more significant in cities with a high crime rate or a higher population density, such as Detroit and Chicago.
Every year, numerous Uber and Lyft drivers are plundered, carjacked, and murdered. For example, in January, a Chicago driver sustained a gunshot wound to the thorax during an attempted carjacking.
Strangers flagging down drivers hoping to receive complimentary transport are less extreme examples.
Another significant issue is sexual assault, which has resulted in the emergence of numerous ridesharing startups in recent years.
Jillian Anderson, a former Lyft driver, cofounded HERide in 2022 as a female-friendly transportation app to ensure the safety of female passengers and drivers.
Last year, Lyft introduced the Women+ Connect feature, which enables women and nonbinary drivers to prioritize matches with women and nonbinary passengers. Uber also includes a feature that prioritizes women riders.
Ensure that both the chauffeur and passenger always verify their profile pictures and names. Riders are advised to verify the car model and license registration before entering the vehicle.
In addition to passenger verification, Lyft has imitated Uber’s strategy, which has garnered 156 million monthly active platform consumers in numerous instances.
(In contrast, Lyft indicates that it has 27.3 million active passengers.) On Monday, Lyft announced that it would offer pet-friendly trips, a feature that Uber has had for five years. Uber charges between $3 and $5 for canines, while Lyft currently charges an additional $4.
