New initiative aims to address safety concerns of Uber drivers

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) --Chicago is the latest city to be participating in a new safety initiative from Uber that launches today.

The new rider verification safety initiative aims to add an extra layer of safety for Uber drivers. Uber is taking action in response to repeated requests from drivers to know more about who's getting into their vehicle.

The new safety tool will give riders a new badge that drivers will see to let them know the rider has undergone additional verification steps. Riders will be receiving an email and in-app notifications about the program.

“Drivers want to know more about the people who are entering and exiting their vehicle,” Heather Childs, chief trust and security officer for Uber, said, according to the Chicago Tribune.

“We want to know that riders are who they say they are, and we have to send a clear message that if you’re looking to do harm, Uber is not the place to do it.”

Chicago is one of the first cities to participate in this pilot program.

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