Uber has initiated a new identity verification program in 12 U.S. cities to enhance security measures for drivers. The program requires passengers to confirm their identities through the app before securing a ride. According to the Daily Mail, the new system was launched in cities including Chicago, Atlanta, Baltimore, Charlotte, Detroit, Miami, Nashville, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland, and St. Louis.
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The verification process was designed to increase safety measures to ensure drivers clearly understand who they pick up. Uber users will be automatically verified through existing account information. Still, some may need to provide additional identification by uploading a government-issued ID if the automatic verification feature isn’t available. Heather Childs, Uber’s Chief Trust and Security Officer, explained to the Chicago Tribune that the initiative responds to driver feedback to seek more transparency about their passengers.
The new safety features will complement existing security measures, including a PIN verification system, but some drivers are skeptical about the new verification’s impact on safety. David Lavine, a long-time Uber driver, noted the potential limitations of voluntary compliance. He argued that the process should be made mandatory for all riders to avoid a scenario where only non-threatening individuals opt-in: “If in a few months, we see a reduction in incidents involving Uber drivers, then that’s a positive outcome, but it’s too early to tell,”
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Roger Kaiser, head of safety at Uber, claimed that strengthening rider verification has been a high priority based on driver feedback in the United States. As of today, some riders and drivers will see the verification badge in their Uber app and emails, along with in-app notifications to inform users about the pilot program and encourage participation.
However, riders have shared a similar sentiment: they are also concerned about their safety when entering an Uber driver’s vehicle. One rider wrote on X, “This is probably a great step for driver safety. BUT I’ve gotten weird creepy texts from Uber drivers literally dozens of times… hopefully the drivers can’t tell that my address is verified.” Another said, “Wonder is any research has been done on driver safety and ride types. I’ll bet XL, Black, etc. drivers don’t have to deal with the same issues as Uber X and regular Lyft drivers do.”
One driver said, “I actually got a trip this morning with a verify rider who complained that it was stupid. He said you don’t have to drive if you feel unsafe I shouldn’t have to do this. I just laugh and dropped him off at airport and said make sure you show the right id to get on plane.”
So far, the program is working in 12 cities but it is unclear when it will be available nationwide.