Uber rolls out new safety features across India

Uber rolls out new safety features across India
Uber riders in India can now record audio if they feel uncomfortable or concerned about their safety during trips. This feature is one among several initiatives Uber has launched to enhance the safety of passengers and drivers.

In a statement, Uber said the encrypted recordings are not accessible to riders, ensuring privacy. Uber will only access the audio if the rider submits it as part of a safety report. This feature, compliant with India’s one-party consent law, is now available nationwide for riders and drivers.

A new option for women drivers allows them to accept rides only from female riders. Based on driver feedback, this feature has already enabled over 21,000 trips. “It helps female earners prioritise their safety, drive for longer hours, and boost their earnings,” Uber noted.

Uber has also introduced ‘Safety Preferences,’ allowing riders to customise their safety settings. These include automatically sharing trip details with trusted contacts, enabling audio recording, and activating RideCheck alerts. Riders can personalise these features based on time or location, such as during late-night trips or rides from specific areas.

Partnering with Bengaluru-based NGO Durga, Uber is increasing its efforts to sensitise drivers, particularly concerning appropriate conduct with women riders.

Also read: Uber One subscription plan: Key details of the ride hailing firm’s latest India offering

The company has launched an SOS integration feature, enabling riders and drivers to share live location and trip details directly with police during emergencies. Currently live in Telangana, the feature has been tested in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, with further rollouts planned pending approval from State Police.

According to the 2024 India Economic Impact Report, compiled by Public First, 95% of female riders cited safety as their top reason for using Uber, and 84% believed taking an Uber was the safest way to get home.

Sooraj Nair, Head of Safety Operations, Uber India & South Asia, stated, “We believe that our work on safety never stops. We’ve continually innovated to lead the industry on safety and enhance the overall experience on every Uber trip. Whether it’s through tech-driven solutions like SOS integration and Women Rider Preference, or through initiatives such as gender sensitisation, we remain focussed on building a platform that riders and drivers can trust every time they choose Uber.”

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