Taxify launches safety feature
NEWTOWN – Taxify partners with Namola to connect at-risk drivers to emergency services.
Ride-hailing service, Taxify in partnership with emergency assistance app Namola, has announced the launch of an in-app safety button that connects at-risk drivers to emergency services.
Launched at the inaugural Taxify Driver Safety Summit, held at Turbine Hall in Newtown on 4 April, the launch of the emergency button serves as a response to safety and security concerns raised by Taxify drivers.
Read: IN TWEETS: Taxify identifies hotspots for its riders and drivers
“Rider and driver safety is our first and foremost priority. The safety button will allow Taxify drivers to access rapid deployment of the correct emergency response, should they find themselves in danger,” said Gareth Taylor, Taxify’s country manager.
Taylor said driver concerns have been noted and Taxify has, therefore, decided to partner with Namola to address driver safety.
“The welfare of our drivers is our foremost priority, the partnership with Namola is the first very important step towards addressing safety concerns,” Taylor said.
Peter Matthaei, Namola’s CEO, said the app helps users receive emergency assistance at the push of a button. The app allows users to share their location, name and extent of the emergency with a 24/7 response call centre, which then connects users to emergency services and the South African Police Service. The partnership will enable Taxify drivers to access Namola’s functionality from within the Taxify app.
“The partnership with Taxify will help alleviate some of the distressing situations that drivers can face. The app is available to all South Africans and has been found to be particularly useful in volatile areas,” said Matthaei.
Taxify driver and hijack victim, Brian Maphosa, said he was relieved with the addition of the safety feature.
In addition to addressing concerns around driver safety and security, drivers also received training on anti-hijacking measures, self-defence and vehicle maintenance.
The feature is currently in its pilot phase and is expected to be implemented across the board by the end of April.
