Uber simply introduced the enlargement of security options directed towards drivers, together with a nationwide rollout of enhanced rider verification, which begins tomorrow. If a rider undergoes these further verification steps they’ll get a “Verified” badge on their account, which is able to let drivers know every part is on the up and up.
The corporate says it designed these new verification measures “in response to driver feedback that they want to know more about who is getting in their car.” The corporate started testing this characteristic earlier this yr and it will need to have been successful, because it’s getting a nationwide rollout. Lyft has its personal model of this software, although it is nonetheless being examined in choose markets.
Uber verifies riders by cross-checking account info towards third-party databases, although it’ll additionally settle for official authorities IDs. This system can even permit customers to usher in their verification standing from the CLEAR program.
Whereas rider ID is probably the most notable security software introduced, Uber’s additionally bringing its Document My Journey characteristic to the entire nation after one other profitable beta check. This lets drivers file everything of the trip by way of their smartphone cameras, with out the necessity to put money into a dashcam. The footage is totally encrypted, with Uber saying no person can entry it except a driver sends it in for overview. The corporate hopes this may permit it to “more quickly and fairly resolve any incidents that may arise.”
Drivers can now cancel any journey with out a monetary penalty they usually can “unmatch” from any riders they do not really feel snug selecting up. Lastly, there’s a brand new PIN verification characteristic wherein drivers can request riders to enter a quantity to substantiate they’re, the truth is, the proper visitor.
Uber tends to focus its assets on riders over drivers, so this can be a good change of tempo. It’s type of a bummer, nevertheless, that drivers require this type of enhanced verification system simply to root out some dangerous apples and hold doing their jobs. In different phrases, don’t be a jerk throughout your subsequent Uber trip.
Correction, September 17 2024, 10:45AM ET: This story and its headline initially acknowledged that Uber’s rider verification program was rolling out nationwide as of at present. The rollout begins tomorrow, September 18. We apologize for the error.