Lyft has a new feature that can help take the awkwardness out of riding with strangers. On Thursday, the ride-sharing company announced that you’ll be able to favorite or block a driver in the app after a ride.Â
It’s good news if you enjoyed your ride and wouldn’t mind having that driver give you a ride again. And, if you’re like me, it gives you a chance to be more comfortable with who you’re riding with from the airport or dinner.Â
Here’s how it works and what drivers can also expect to see on their end with the new feature.Â
Read more:Â Lyft Silver Lets Older Adults Hail a Ride With Live Human Support
How to favorite a Lyft driverÂ
When your ride is over, Lyft will let you favorite a driver at the bottom of the same screen where you can leave ratings and a tip. You’ll click the checkmark next to Favorite this driver and Lyft will try to pair you with one of your favorite drivers on future rides.
Lyft’s new feature isn’t the first of its kind. Uber has a favorite driver feature that works similarly but you may still be paired with the closest driver to your pick-up spot.
“Our goal with letting you favorite drivers is to find new ways to reward the driver community for providing an excellent ride,” according to Lyft’s blog post.
What the Lyft driver will see
When you favorite a driver, the driver will be alerted. For future rides, the driver will receive a mobile notification when your ride request pops up and they’ll have the option to claim it. Keep in mind that doesn’t mean you can request a specific driver.Â
Blocking a driver and Lyft’s new Safety Hub
Aside from the new favoriting feature, Lyft also announced Thursday that you’ll be able to block a driver in the Lyft app’s new Safety Hub who you prefer not to ride with again.Â
The Safety Hub also includes features like audio recordings, PIN verifications and scheduling a check-in with loved ones.Â
The hub is currently only available for riders but Lyft plans to add one for drivers in the future.
