Uber South Africa will be implementing improved security measures following recent attacks on Uber driver-partners.
Alon Lits, the general manager for Uber Sub-Saharan Africa, addressed media at a briefing in Rosebank. The briefing follows an attack on Uber driver Khomotso Tiro, who had acid thrown at him by a passenger. This attack was one in a series of high-profile incidents where Uber drivers have been targeted.
“Today is about transparency and to offer our support and show a commitment that we’re always looking for ways to improve,” said Lits.
Many Uber drivers have complained about the cash trip system as they feel it creates safety issues, however, Lits said that measures had been put in place to ensure drivers are protected.
Some of the safety measures highlighted include verifying all mobile devices and the 24/7 emergency response line available to drivers. Lits added that they are currently looking into requiring more verification when signing up for Uber.
Jonathan Ayache, general manager for Uber South Africa added, “We’ve also recently launched a cash indicator, and based on our engagement with our driver partners specifically relating to cash, we’ve created a feature that indicates trip by trip whether it is a cash trip or a card trip and they then have the option to decline that trip.”
Lits added that they had also improved security in hotspots where Uber drivers have been intimidated, allegedly by meter taxi drivers. “At these hotspots where there is taxi intimidation, for example, the Sandton Gautrain station, we have additional security teams present on the ground to help ensure drivers and riders feel safe,” said Lits.
He also emphasised that because Uber is a technology company it cannot play the role of law enforcement. “At the end of the day, we’re doing whatever we can to help drivers and riders feel safe when using our application, but we’re not the police.
“We are not law enforcement and we call upon the police and we call upon regulators to intervene.”
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Also read:
Police looking for suspect who threw acid at an Uber driver
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