Uber Technologies announced on Wednesday a significant upgrade to its safety features worldwide, with a particular focus on enhancing security for passengers, especially women, during nighttime rides.
The updated safety features empower passengers with more control during their journeys, allowing them to select up to four safety preferences. These options include encrypted audio recordings, PIN verification, and live location sharing.
Uber’s commitment to bolstering safety measures comes amidst ongoing scrutiny regarding its responses to reported assaults by drivers. Over the years, concerns have been raised about the adequacy of background checks on drivers and the level of safety training provided.
Notably, Uber disclosed in 2022 that it had received approximately 3,800 reports of severe sexual assault in the U.S. between 2019 and 2020. Despite this, the company has seen a decrease in reports compared to previous years.
The ride-sharing giant has also been proactive in addressing road safety concerns, particularly for motorcycle couriers with its Uber Eats platform. Last year, Uber Eats signed a charter in London aimed at preventing road accidents.
The new safety preferences, which prioritize passenger security, are currently available in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America, with plans for further expansion in the near future.
In addition to the safety features rollout, Uber has unveiled a suite of new features specifically designed for female passengers. These include encrypted audio recordings, PIN verification, live location sharing, and the RideCheck feature, which monitors ride progress for any unexpected deviations.
Uber’s announcement of these enhanced safety measures comes after years of legal battles and public scrutiny over allegations of sexual assaults against passengers and inadequate safety measures. The company faces ongoing lawsuits from victims and regulatory challenges related to passenger safety.
In response to these challenges, Uber has committed to ongoing improvements in safety protocols and technologies. However, the company continues to face criticism for past practices, including its handling of the “safe rides fee” introduced in 2014, which allegedly did not contribute as promised to enhancing passenger safety.
Uber’s latest efforts to prioritize safety underscore its ongoing commitment to providing secure transportation services for all passengers, particularly women, who often face additional safety concerns while using ride-sharing platforms.