A system and method are provided and include a controller that controls a door lock actuator system of an autonomous vehicle. The controller is configured to receive a request for transportation from a server in communication with a smartphone. The request for transportation includes a pickup location and a unique identifier. The controller is configured to store the unique identifier received from the server as a stored unique identifier, to communicate directly with the smartphone, to receive a smartphone unique identifier from the smartphone, to compare the smartphone unique identifier with the stored unique identifier, and to control the door lock actuator system to unlock and/or open at least one door of the autonomous vehicle when the smartphone unique identifier matches the stored unique identifier.