Building a Safer and Smarter Carpooling Experience on Udhë

At Udhë, our mission is not just to connect passengers and drivers, but to do it in a way that feels safe, private, and trustworthy. That’s why we’re excited to introduce three major features rolled out this month, all focused on giving you more control, confidence, and peace of mind.

Phone Number Verification

Trust is everything in a ride-sharing community. Until now, users could register without verifying their contact details, which sometimes led to concerns about fake profiles or no-shows.

What it does:

• Requires users to verify their phone number before posting or booking rides
• Ensures everyone on the platform is real and reachable
• Reduces spam and anonymous misuse
• Builds stronger trust in the community

How it works:
During signup or login, users go through a quick WhatsApp SMS verification process. Once verified, their number is linked to their account (but stays private unless they choose to share it).

Privacy Controls for Name & Number

We’ve heard from many of you: you want to use the platform confidently, but also want control over how much personal info is shared.

What it does:

• First name only by default: Only your first name shows on posts, with the option to display your full name
• Phone number visibility: Choose whether your number is visible to others in your ride post. Hidden numbers stay private and are not stored in the post

How it works:
Head to your profile settings and choose what to show. These options protect your identity while still maintaining transparency for fellow riders.

User Blocking

We take user control seriously. Some of you told us about discomfort with repeat spammy bookings or unwanted interactions, so we built a solution.

What it does:

• Lets you block others from reserving your seats
• Shows blocked users a message that they’re restricted
• Provides access to your own blocked list (with the ability to unblock anytime)
• Discourages abuse and gives everyone more peace of mind

How it works:
Find the “Block User” option in the ride chat or on a user’s profile. Manage blocked users in your account dashboard.

A Safer Udhë Is a Better Udhë

These features are part of our long-term vision to create a ride-sharing community that’s not only functional—but deeply respectful, reliable, and community-driven.

We’re grateful to all our users who’ve shared feedback and helped shape the future of Udhë. If you have ideas or requests, drop them via the app or at udhe.com.

Let’s ride better, together.

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Have questions or feedback? Contact us at merrudhe@gmail.com or through the Udhë app.