Uber has already started the pin verification and ride check features in Delhi, Kolkata and other cities under the pilot project.
Cab-sharing service Uber is soon going to add three new features to improve ride safety features in India. However, the date of the nationwide launch of these new features has still not been revealed.
In a country like India where woman safety issues are a cause for concern, the addition of these new features is crucial.
Last year, Uber introduced various measures to improve women's safety. The company had organised gender sensitisation workshops for drivers, added a safety shield icon in the app through which a commuter can make emergency contact with an Uber representative, among several other features to make women commuter feel safer.
Among the three newly added features, the pin verification system has already been implemented by its competitors like OLA.
The three new features which will be added to Uber app are:
1. Ride Audio Recording: A button for audio recording will be provided in the Uber app. If the driver misbehaves with the rider during the journey, the rider will be able to record his conversation. The driver will also have the same facility. But both will not be able to listen to the conversation of the recording itself as they will not be able to download or transfer that recording. Only the people working at the Uber service centre will be able to inscribe the recording.
2. Pin verification or OTP (One Time Password): A pin will be generated when the ride starts. The ride will start only after informing the driver about the PIN generated. The driver can add it manually to the app. The PIN verification number system is similar to the system introduced by another ride-sharing app, Ola.
3. Uber assistance: In this safety feature, if your car stops somewhere on the way during the journey, then Uber Customer Care will immediately get information about it. With this, immediate action can be taken on any accident.
In a recent report last year, the company stated that it has received more than 3,000 reports of sexual assault in the United States in 2018. The figure for India is, however, is not available. But there have been several cases against Uber drivers for crimes against women, including sexual assault.
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 "Uber to add three new features to make rides safer in India. Photo: Representational image")
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