Uber announces major ‘verification’ change and more customers may have to show their ID before riding
the-sun.comNov 19, 2023 10:26 PM

RIDESHARE company Uber has unveiled a raft of new features aimed at safety and fairness.

The biggest changes are aimed at protecting Uber’s drivers from unethical customers.

Uber will add the new features to attract drivers to the company
Uber will add the new features to attract drivers to the company
The company’s CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, revealed the new features in a press release last week.

Among the changes are added driver protections and identity verifications for riders, which will roll out next year.

NEW FEATURES
Uber will begin to request that riders submit a form of identification like a license or passport to become a “verified rider,” though it does not appear the verification will be mandatory.

Khosrowshahi said the change was meant to give drivers peace of mind when accepting trips.

The company is also taking steps to prevent drivers from having their accounts falsely deactivated.

When riders finish an uber ride, they have the option to rate their driver and flag any complaints.


Complaint options range from loud music to intoxicated driving.

Some drivers have taken to Reddit in recent months, saying they abruptly lost their driving privileges thanks to false reports of unsafe behavior.

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“This is why we need to organize,” one commenter said. “Even a 5 year driver with a 5.0 rating has zero job security.”

As a result, Uber is rolling out methods for drivers to counter claims they think are unreasonable or untrue.

“Blocking someone from accessing their Uber account is one of the most serious decisions we can make—and one of the most distressing moments that a driver or courier can experience,” Khosrowshahi said.

“I’ve heard from drivers and couriers loud and clear that we need to do a better job listening to all parties involved, communicating our decisions more clearly, and giving drivers and couriers a pathway to appeal if they believe we got something wrong,” he added.

Sometimes customers can report problems with their rides fraudulently in order to receive a refund from Uber.

The app now has a new expanded ability for drivers to defend themselves against customer complaints.

Uber will also pay for drug tests for anyone facing an allegation of having driven while intoxicated, though it’s unclear how soon after the alleged intoxication the driver would be able to test through the company.

EMPLOYMENT PLOY
Uber’s drivers are not technically considered employees, meaning they have limited rights when their accounts are deactivated.

A ballot proposition that maintained this status in California passed in 2020 after a heavy lobbying campaign by Uber and other rideshare companies, the New York Times reported.

Now, the CEO is attempting to keep drivers on board by promising a “safer and fairer” work environment.

The new safety rollout is not the only change coming to Uber.

The company has planned to use driverless cars to make deliveries in some places.

One employee, however, recently revealed why he does not expect autonomous vehicles to take over.

Uber has joined a new partnership in Southern California.

Uber Eats adds a surcharge for meal size, but some customers can avoid it.

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