UBER has announced the launch of two new safety features that will help better the safety of a drivers and riders while using the Uber app.
The feature known as Social Connect will require riders to submit a social media page such as Facebook to help verify their identity when using the cash payment option.
Read also: SA Uber users offered a chance for cash trip payments
The ‘Share My Trip’ feature now allows drivers to share the trip information with loved ones, the same way riders do, without implicating the privacy of the rider or divulging personal information or specific drop off or pick up. This pilot feature is already running in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
These safety features follow the recent launch of Uber’s Cash Indicator, which allows drivers to choose whether they’d like to accept a cash trip request or not, and should a driver decline a cash trip it will not affect their standing with Uber.
Alon Lits, who is the General Manager of Uber Sub Saharan Africa said “We’ve received a lot of feedback from driver-partners and we know that their safety is their major concern and frankly ours too. We are always listening to drivers and most recently we launched the Cash Indicator,”said Lits.
She added that Uber is committed to developing and implementing new technologies to improve the app at all times.
Read also: Uber SA steps up security measures
“Now, to further enhance Uber’s technological safety features, we are launching Social Connect and Driver Share My Trip. We’ll continue to welcome drivers’ feedback and prioritise the safety of all those using the Uber app, while regularly tracking the success of new features and updates”, added Lits.
Lits said that while drivers have shown their concern regarding the safety of cash trips, many still do not want to remove the cash option all together. She said cash was a dominant payment method in South Africa and the cash option reduces the barrier to those riders wanting to use Uber, who may not have credit card.
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