Lyft has introduced new personalization and safety features aimed at enhancing the ride experience for both passengers and drivers.
In a recent announcement, the rideshare app revealed that riders can now select a favorite driver, especially if they enjoyed a previous ride and want to ride with the same person again.
Lyft aims to connect users with their preferred drivers whenever possible.
Riders will be informed when a driver is added to their favorites. This means that the driver will then have priority for any future ride requests from that passenger.
Once a ride concludes, passengers can mark a driver as a favorite if they were satisfied with the service.
“This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about giving users more control over their ride experience,” the company stated.
“Whether you’re winding down during your commute or need a quiet atmosphere before an important meeting, building a rapport with a driver can really enhance your vibe.”
According to Lyft, this feature also aims to provide drivers with extra revenue opportunities and help them forge connections with riders they encounter daily.
“When drivers feel appreciated, it creates a positive feedback loop. They strive to deliver excellent service, and in turn, passengers can consistently enjoy rides with people they trust.”
Moreover, Lyft users can block drivers if they have an unfavorable experience, ensuring that they won’t be matched with someone they prefer to avoid.
This direct driver blocking feature is a first for Lyft and is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to making ride-sharing as safe as possible.
Additionally, Lyft is launching the Safe Hub Portal within the app, where riders can activate safety features like audio recording, pin verification, and location sharing. The portal will also keep track of blocked and preferred drivers.
These new features will be rolled out progressively, with a broader launch anticipated in the US and Canada by the end of August.
This announcement follows closely on the heels of Uber’s introduction of “female preferences” in the US, which allows female riders and drivers to connect solely with each other.
Female passengers will find an option labeled “female driver” when requesting a ride. On the driver’s side, they can enable “Female rider preference” in the app settings. This pilot program is set to begin soon in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Detroit.
“Across the US, female riders and drivers have expressed a desire for options that enable them to travel with other women. We’ve listened and are now providing them with new ways to take control of their ride experience,” Uber stated in a press release.
