Uber Unveils New Safety Features with a Focus on Women’s Safety in India

Bengaluru, 29th November 2024: Uber has introduced a set of innovative safety features aimed at enhancing the security and comfort of riders and drivers in India, with a particular focus on women’s safety. Key features such as Audio Recording and Women Rider Preference are designed to offer an extra layer of protection during trips. The ride-hailing giant has also collaborated with Bengaluru-based NGO Durga to train drivers on appropriate behavior, especially when interacting with women riders.

The newly launched “Safety Preferences” feature allows riders to customize their safety settings, including options like RideCheck, Share My Trip, and Audio Recording, which can now be activated automatically for every ride.

Elevating Safety Standards

Uber’s commitment to rider and driver safety remains a core focus. The company is leveraging advanced technology to ensure a seamless and secure experience. According to the 2024 India Economic Impact Report by Public First, 95% of female riders stated safety as their primary reason for choosing Uber, while 84% felt Uber was the safest way to travel home.

Sooraj Nair, Head of Safety Operations, Uber India & South Asia, emphasized Uber’s ongoing efforts:

“Safety is a continuous journey for us. From introducing SOS integration to offering Women Rider Preference, we are committed to creating a trustworthy platform for everyone. Our partnerships and innovations reflect this focus, making every trip safer and more reliable.”

Key Safety Features

SOS Integration

To enable rapid emergency responses, the SOS feature allows riders and drivers to share their live location and trip details directly with the police. Already live in Telangana, the feature has undergone testing in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh and will roll out soon upon approval from state authorities.

Women Rider Preference

An industry-first feature, Women Rider Preference allows female drivers to accept only female riders. This initiative, introduced based on driver feedback, has facilitated over 21,000 trips so far. It empowers women drivers by providing a safer working environment, encouraging longer driving hours, and increasing earnings.

Audio Recording

Riders and drivers can now record audio during trips if they feel unsafe. The recordings are encrypted and accessible only if submitted as part of a safety report, ensuring privacy. Compliant with India’s one-party consent law, this feature is available nationwide.

Gender Sensitization Training

Uber has partnered with Durga, a Bengaluru-based NGO that promotes gender safety and equity. This collaboration includes virtual training sessions to help drivers understand and address women’s unique safety concerns, fostering a respectful and secure environment.

Enhanced Existing Features

• RideCheck detects irregularities such as unexpected route changes or prolonged stops and prompts proactive safety checks.
• The 24×7 Safety Line provides round-the-clock access to safety experts for non-emergency assistance during or after trips.
• Privacy Protection features like phone and address anonymization ensure personal details remain confidential.

Personalizing Safety

With the new Safety Preferences feature, riders can customize their safety settings for peace of mind. This includes automatically sharing trip details with trusted contacts, enabling audio recording, and activating RideCheck alerts for specific times or locations, such as late-night rides.

A Commitment to Safer Journeys

Uber’s latest initiatives underline its dedication to ensuring safety through technology and collaboration with experts. By prioritizing innovation and inclusivity, Uber aims to create a secure environment for all riders and drivers. As the company continues to lead in safety, it reaffirms its mission of making transportation safer and more reliable for everyone.