Ride-sharing apps have made it possible to get from point A to point B in a more convenient way than ever before, and they’ve also opened up the door for people with cars to make some money on the side. But despite their popularity, there are still many ways that these apps could improve their services. Here are a few things these companies can try.
Ensure Advanced ID Verification Methods
Biometrics is a good way to verify identity. Biometric information is physical data that can be used to recognize individuals. Biometrics fall into three categories:
- Voice recognition
- Facial recognition uses facial features like the eyes, nose, and mouth to identify an individual
- Fingerprint scanning
AI and machine learning-based solutions are also available with these verification systems for improved results. Uber is already working with an identity management company. It is a modern way to ensure that no one can fool you using fake IDs. Fraud prevention has come a long way, and it is time for ride-sharing platforms to make the most of it.
Combat Fraud
Ride-hailing businesses have a unique challenge when it comes to fraud detection. They have to consider all of the potential ways someone can commit fraud while considering the many different types of users they serve. For example, a ride-sharing service may have both corporate clients and private individuals as customers, so it needs to be aware of potential fraud in both cases.
Companies in that industry need to collect as much data on their users as possible. Their demographic information and usage patterns help them combat fraud across all aspects of business operations. The more information you can collect about your customers’ habits, the better equipped you are at targeting them with relevant messages that encourage positive experiences using your products or services.
That is particularly true for ride-hailing apps because not only does that kind of personalization improve user satisfaction with the app itself but it also makes it easier for ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft (and their competitors) to detect fraudulent behaviors from customers using their platforms.
Use Driver Ratings to Get More Drivers on the Road
To make sure you’re getting the best drivers for your ride-sharing app, it is important to use driver ratings. That way, you can get those with bad ratings off the road and ensure that only high-quality drivers are working on your platform.
That will also help eliminate discrimination based on race or gender since most customers will not be able to see a driver’s profile before they accept their ride request.
Introduce Gamification
If your app needs a boost, gamification may be the solution. Gamification is the application of game-design elements and game principles to non-game contexts, usually for engaging users and encouraging interaction with a service or product. It can be used to improve user engagement with a service or product, as well as increase user loyalty.
- Improve User Engagement with Your App: One way that ride-sharing apps can use gamification is by creating rewards programs where riders receive points for doing certain things—for example, completing an extensive list of tasks on your app will earn you more points than simply signing up. These rewards could include anything from free rides to cashback on future purchases (the latter being one-way taxi companies have been able to stay competitive).
- Improve User Experience: Another way that ride-sharing apps can use gamification is by using it as a tool for helping you find what you’re looking for in your area faster than ever before. Many people aren’t sure how much they’ll be charged until after they’ve submitted their ride request; however, if these companies were able to provide estimates based on past experience (or even personal data), then perhaps riders wouldn’t feel so nervous about how much money they were spending!
Offer More than Just Rides
Ride-hailing services can offer more than just a ride to your driver or rider. One service that you can offer is delivery. If your business has a package delivery service, then that is an excellent way to expand your offerings and make money while doing it.
You can also offer incentives or promotions to attract both drivers and riders who are interested in using your service as an additional source of income. Or, simply enjoy the experience better than they would with other competitors in the area like Uber or Lyft because now there’s something extra available such as insurance coverages or mobile repairs.
Embrace Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
In the future, ride-sharing apps will be able to use machine learning and artificial intelligence to improve customer service, driver experience, and training. Machine learning programs can learn from patterns in past interactions between drivers and passengers or between passengers themselves. That could lead to better recommendations of restaurants or events that you may want to visit while you’re in town for a concert or sports game.
They might also provide riders with specific directions based on where they are going. So, there are fewer misunderstandings about which exit number they need to take off the highway. Machine learning allows ride-share companies like Uber and Lyft to match customers directly with drivers who have similar interests as them instead of just taking into account their location at any given time.
Ride sharing apps have become a major part of our society, and they will only continue to grow in importance. With new technologies, like AI becoming increasingly commonplace, ridesharing companies will have to adapt or risk being left behind. The first step is implementing these changes into their services. However, there are many other opportunities for improvement that can be explored too.