Uber is serious when it says it is ‘committed’ towards a safer Uber experience for Indian commuters. In its ongoing spree of introducing a slew of new safety measures, Uber has just announced that it has finally embedded the long-talked about SOS feature in its app, along with the addition of a journey-sharing option.
The new SOS feature, which is instantly available for Android users (iOS on its way) from this very point, allows commutes to instantly contact local authorities, in case any emergency happens. This is how the new in-app SOS feature works :
- In case of an emergency, tap SOS in the top right of the screen
- Confirm the call to automatically dial local authorities (‘100’)
Another interesting, and extremely useful safety feature, is the new “Send Status” option. Though new, Send Status has been built on and replaces Share my ETA. Send Status enables riders to share details about their driver and vehicle – including live GPS tracking, driver photo, name and vehicle license number – with family and friends.
This feature can be used by following these steps :
- Set up your list of contacts
In the Uber app settings, you can select up to 5 of your preferred contacts - Request a ride as usual
- Before your driver arrives or at any point during your journey, tap ‘Send Status’
- Your pre-selected list of contacts will receive a link to view your trip status live as soon as you hit send (no SMS fees charged). You can also add additional contacts to share your trip details with at this point.
Uber says,
We are proud to pilot these features across all cities in India, and we will roll out out additional safety features in other cities and countries in the coming months – stay tuned for updates.
Ever since the U.S.-based taxi-hailing app received a ban on its Delhi operations, its safety measures have garnered intense scrutiny and criticism. Reports later suggested that police-verifications of its drivers were done in an inappropriate fashion, thus creating further problems for the $41 Billion valued company.
However, Uber re-verified all driver partners with the police, along with additional background screening through its recent First Advantage association.
These new safety features, which have currently been launched only in India, may soon appear in other Uber markets as well. Uber says that it is planning on rolling-out these additional safety features in other cities and countries in the coming months.
