Uber has launched a range of new safety measures to help give passengers peace of mind when getting home from nights out.
New technology will detect unusual routes, prolonged stops or if a trip finishes in a different location to the destination.
If any of these things happen, the app will prompt both the rider and driver to check things are okay.
Both drivers and passengers can let Uber know that they are fine, or take other actions – such as contacting the emergency services via an emergency button.
The move comes in the wake of increased concern about the welfare of women, following the high profile cases of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa, and widespread travel issues caused by spiralling taxi costs and the closure of the Night Tube during the pandemic.
Uber’s new safety measures might go some way in helping passengers to travel home with more peace of mind.
‘Our specialised safety team may also follow up with a phone call to see if everyone is safe,’ explains Uber in a statement about the new features.
Home Safe, a donation-based organisation that offers free vouchers to people who need help getting home, was recently set up and Uber is now also working with them.
The taxi company is set to cover 1,000 codes worth £10 for anyone who contacts Home Safe in need of support with their fare.
The initiative is designed to help more people afford a safe journey home, rather than walking late in the dark or waiting alone at bus stops.
Uber also commissioned a YouGov poll of more than 2,000 women to find out more about how they feel when using the app.
72% of women safer when they’re using an app where journey details can be shared with friends and family.
A similar number said they feel more safe when in a car whose whereabouts can be tracked using an app.
Bex Xiao, head of community operations, said: ‘The safety of everyone who uses the Uber app is a top priority, which is why we have bolstered the safety features available on the Uber app.
‘We know that when it comes to safety, our work is never done, which is why we will keep listening, learning and innovating.’
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