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In an effort to improve its surety measures , Lyft announce Tuesday a newrider verification cowcatcher programto aid drivers verify riders ’ identity operator and check that they are indeed who they say they are .
Starting today , Lyft ’s fresh program is rolling out to nine markets , including Atlanta , Chicago , Denver , Detroit , Houston , Jacksonville , Miami , Phoenix and Seattle . The companionship wane to say when it would be launching in more cities .
Riders will now see a verification badge next to their visibility , betoken that Lyft confirmed they ’re using their effectual name . To ensure riders are who they arrogate to be , Lyft habituate third - company databases to cross - check personal information , such as a passenger ’s effectual name and earphone number , a companionship spokesperson explained to TechCrunch . However , they did n’t say which third - company databases it uses .
If the name on the rider ’s visibility is not their sound name , rider are inspire to enter it before another verification process starts . If their details ca n’t be substantiate , they may postulate to upload official politics identification , such as a driver ’s license , state of matter ID or pass . If a rider does not have any of these documents , they can get through Lyft Support and provide an choice .
Additionally , when a passenger wants to request a drive for someone else , they can use the “ Change passenger ” option while requesting the trip . Any client rider must have a Lyft account with a check badge .
However , driver can still choose to take over drive without badge . Lyft monish on its website that riders without them may experience “ longer eta and pickup time . ”
Lyft ’s new program fall out the launch ofUber ’s initiativeearlier this twelvemonth , which function the same manner . Like Lyft , Uber hybridizing - reference work personal information and exhibit a dreary checkmark on the profile of verified rider . It ’s currently uncommitted in 15 cities , include Atlanta , Chicago , Detroit and Miami .
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Rideshare driver are always at endangerment when live with rider . However , in mellow - offence or denser cities like Detroit and Chicago , the danger may be even higher . Many Uber and Lyft driver are carjack , robbed and killed every yr . For instance , aChicago driversuffered a gunfire wound to the breast during an attempted carjacking in January . Less extreme examples are strangers ease up down drivers in the hopes of getting a free drive .
intimate assaults are another vast trouble , which has led to multiple ridesharing startups emerging in late years . In 2022 , former Lyft driver Jillian Anderson cofounded a female - friendly driving app calledHERideto help keep female rider and drivers secure . Lyft launched aWomen+ Connectfeature last year , letting adult female and nonbinary driver prioritize lucifer with woman and nonbinary riders . Uber also has a women rider orientation feature .
It ’s always important that both driver and rider affirm profile pictures and name . Before getting into the vehicle , passenger should first check the license crustal plate and railcar manikin .
In plus to rider verification , there have been numerous instances when Lyft has taken a page from Uber ’s playbook , which is its biggest rival with156 millionmonthly participating program consumers . ( Lyft , meanwhile , cover 27.3 million active rider . ) More recently , Lyftannouncedpet - friendly ride on Monday , a featureUberhas had for five years . Lyft now charges an extra $ 4 for dearie , whereas Uber boot between $ 3 to $ 5 .
