Lyft is testing its own Just like Uber did This feature confirms to drivers that the person getting into their vehicle is who they say they are. The program will first launch in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Jacksonville, Miami, Phoenix and Seattle.
Lyft will confirm riders' legal names using third-party databases, but hasn't disclosed which services it uses. If a rider can't be verified in one of those unspecified databases, they can also provide official identification, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card, to be verified. Once a rider completes the process, drivers will see a verification badge on that person's profile.
For now, at least, the verification process isn’t mandatory, though Lyft’s FAQ says that “riders are strongly encouraged to participate.” If the program works as Lyft hopes, drivers might be more willing to accept requests from verified passengers (and unverified passengers might face longer wait times).
Ridesharing poses significant safety risks for drivers. Between 2017 and 2019, Lyft received reports of sexual assault (although it did not differentiate between those allegedly committed against drivers and passengers). Self-employed drivers also face the risk of sexual assault. The hope is that verification programs like this can make drivers feel more comfortable letting a stranger into their vehicle. Another of Lyft's recent moves to improve driver safety is this feature, which was rolled out to more cities in February.
