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 extra verification steps they’ll get a “Verified” badge on their account, which is able to let drivers know all the things 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 function 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 device, although it is nonetheless being examined in choose markets.
Uber verifies riders by cross-checking account info in opposition to third-party databases, although it’ll additionally settle for official authorities IDs. This system will even enable customers to usher in their verification standing from the CLEAR program.
Whereas rider ID is probably the most notable security device introduced, Uber’s additionally bringing its File My Trip function to the entire nation after one other profitable beta take a look at. This lets drivers document everything of the trip through their smartphone cameras, with out the necessity to spend money on a dashcam. The footage is totally encrypted, with Uber saying no one can entry it except a driver sends it in for assessment. The corporate hopes this may enable it to “more quickly and fairly resolve any incidents that may arise.”
Drivers can now cancel any journey with no monetary penalty and so they can “unmatch” from any riders they do not really feel snug choosing up. Lastly, there’s a brand new PIN verification function through which drivers can request riders to enter a quantity to substantiate they’re, the truth is, the right visitor.
Uber tends to focus its sources on riders over drivers, so this can be a good change of tempo. It’s type of a bummer, nonetheless, that drivers require this type of enhanced verification system simply to root out some unhealthy apples and preserve 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 said that Uber’s rider verification program was rolling out nationwide as of at this time. The rollout begins tomorrow, September 18. We apologize for the error.