Lyft has unveiled a new rider verification pilot program aimed at enhancing security for both drivers and riders. This initiative, designed to help drivers confirm the identity of their passengers, is now being implemented in nine major markets: Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Jacksonville, Miami, Phoenix, and Seattle. Currently, there is no information on when this might expand to additional cities.
As part of this program, riders will have a verification badge displayed on their profile, signifying that Lyft has validated their legal name. The company uses third-party databases to cross-check personal information like legal names and phone numbers, although specific data sources remain undisclosed. If a rider’s profile name does not match their legal identification, they will be prompted to update it and undergo further verification. Should their details remain unverifiable, riders may need to upload official identification such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport. For those without these documents, alternative verification through Lyft Support is an option.
Additionally, passengers who want to request rides for others can utilize the “Change rider” feature, ensuring the guest passenger also has a Lyft account with a verification badge. Despite this verification system, drivers can choose to accept rides from unverified riders, but these riders might encounter longer wait times.
Lyft’s new program mirrors a similar initiative introduced by Uber earlier this year, which also employs verification methods and marks verified profiles with a blue checkmark. Uber’s system is active in 15 cities, including some of the same ones covered by Lyft’s new program.
Rideshare drivers face significant risks, particularly in high-crime or densely populated areas such as Detroit and Chicago. Drivers often encounter carjackings, robberies, and even fatal attacks. For example, a driver in Chicago was shot during an attempted carjacking in January. There are also minor but frequent issues like people attempting to get rides without using the app.
Sexual assault concerns have led to the creation of various rideshare startups focusing on safety. One such app, HERide, was co-founded by former Lyft driver Jillian Anderson in 2022 to provide safer options for female riders and drivers. Lyft also introduced the Women+ Connect feature, enabling women and nonbinary users to prefer matches with each other. Similarly, Uber has a preference feature for women riders.
To ensure safety, both drivers and passengers are encouraged to verify profile pictures and names and to confirm the vehicle’s license plate and model before commencing any trip.
In other news, Lyft recently introduced pet-friendly rides, a service similar to one Uber has offered for five years. Lyft’s pet rides come with an additional fee of $4, while Uber’s pet fee ranges from $3 to $5.
