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A comment on Lyft’s algorithm is trying to block people with names like ‘Dick’ and ‘Cummings’. Parent comment

Re:Lyft’s algorithm is trying to block people with names lik... by pferde on Sunday January 12, 2020 @08:11AM (#22026132)
No, you and the driver are supposed to exchange a keyword to make sure you got into the right car. That keyword happens to be a name by default because it's very... human, I guess, but it does not have to be your name. For taxis, I frequently use two or three random names common in my country.
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Re:Lyft’s algorithm is trying to block people with names lik... by isoskeles on Sunday January 12, 2020 @11:46AM (#22027251)
> No, you and the driver are supposed to exchange a keyword to make sure you got into the right car.

I've never heard of this. Where did you learn this? I'm not saying you're wrong either, as it makes sense. I've just never heard of it.

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Re:Lyft’s algorithm is trying to block people with names lik... by pferde on Sunday January 12, 2020 @03:33PM (#22029103)
OK, not _supposed_, but it is a common practice, going back to traditional taxi services where you'd call a number and order a taxi to an address where you are. They'd ask you for your name which they'd also tell the driver they send you. On arrival, the driver would then ask the name when you're entering the car.

It's useful for busier locations, where more people would call for a taxi at the same time.

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