Uber testing new rider verification in one Florida city

Kevin Accettulla
·2 min read

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Uber is testing out new rider verification in Miami beginning Thursday, according to an Uber spokesperson.

Riders in select cities will now be able to provide additional information and receive a verified badge, letting drivers know the rider took additional steps to verify who they are. Uber will check the information, including names and phone numbers, with a third-party database.

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The company said it’s testing the change due to feedback from drivers, who say they want to know more about who is getting in their vehicle.

“Strengthening rider verification has been a top request from drivers across the country,” Roger Kaiser, head of safety, said in a statement. “This new verification process and verified rider badge are important steps to help provide drivers with more peace of mind while they are out on the road. We are committed to making Uber an even safer and more trusted place to ride and drive, and we look forward to hearing feedback on this pilot from users.”

The verification program is in its pilot stage, and is being tested in the following 12 cities:

  • Atlanta

  • Baltimore

  • Charlotte

  • Chicago

  • Detroit

  • Miami

  • Nashville

  • New Orleans

  • Philadelphia

  • Phoenix

  • Portland, Oregon

  • St. Louis

“I’m happy they’re changing their policy because I’ve picked up riders in the past that have definitely caused a disturbance in the vehicle,” James Riha told NBC Miami. “Other times I’ve had to call the police on them, so I’m happy that they’re verifying people rather than just putting anybody in my car.”

Drivers will be able to see the user’s verification badge before accepting a ride, the company said.

Driver view (Courtesy: Uber)
Driver view (Courtesy: Uber)
Rider view (Courtesy: Uber)
Rider view (Courtesy: Uber)

The company said verification data is stored securely and ID documents are encrypted. Drivers will only be able to see a rider’s first name, star rating and details about their trip.

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