David Bridges
Uber simply introduced the enlargement of security options directed towards drivers, together with a nationwide rollout of enhanced rider verification. If a rider undergoes these further verification steps they’ll get a “Verified” badge on their account, which can let drivers know every thing is on the up and up.
The corporate says it designed these new verification measures “in response to driver suggestions that they wish to know extra about who’s getting of their automotive.” The corporate started testing this function earlier this yr and it should 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 may also 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 Report My Experience function to the entire nation after one other profitable beta check. This lets drivers file everything of the journey by way of their smartphone cameras, with out the necessity to spend money on a dashcam. The footage is absolutely encrypted, with Uber saying no one can entry it except a driver sends it in for evaluate. The corporate hopes this may enable it to “extra rapidly and pretty resolve any incidents which will come up.”
Drivers can now cancel any journey and not using a monetary penalty they usually can “unmatch” from any riders they do not really feel snug choosing up. Lastly, there’s a brand new PIN verification function during which drivers can request riders to enter a quantity to verify they’re, actually, the proper visitor.
Uber tends to focus its sources on riders over drivers, so it is a good change of tempo. It’s sort of a bummer, nevertheless, that drivers require this sort 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 journey.
Daniel Mercer
