Uber Bolsters ‘Safety’ For Its Drivers With New Initiatives

Ride-hailing major Uber today (November 14) unveiled a host of features focused on improving the experience for drivers on its platform.

The company said that it will use advanced technology and machine learning to enhance both female rider and drivers’ safety by connecting them especially during odd hours. Uber has launched a women rider preference feature on its platform among other initiatives.

Uber India and South Asia Head Prabhjeet Singh told Inc42 that the company has made a system using machine learning “to identify women riders based on the names to increase the chances for the women drivers to be matched.” 

He said that Uber has been working on this feature for quite some time such as partnering with NGOs and using advanced technology to enhance riders’ experience.

“We sat with the women drivers who have been on the platform for the last few years and they said that on specific times of the day, particularly late evenings and for some unfamiliar locations, they will accept only female riders’ cab requests,” said Singh. 

This optional feature has enabled over 21,000 trips so far and helps female drivers prioritise their safety and increase earnings, Uber said in its statement. 

Meanwhile, Uber drivers can now record audio in the case of safety concerns during the trips and submit it for redressal. The company has also introduced the option to add a tip for the driver while booking a ride to boost drivers’ earnings and reduce the booking time for users.

Besides, the platform now allows its drivers to cash out earnings instantly, offering up to four cash-outs daily. The new feature will also help drivers in breaking down their weekly earnings and mention the local government taxes and fees. 

The development comes days after ride-hailing companies Uber and Ola have scored zero points on Fairwork India’s ratings for the working conditions of gig workers. 

The report said that the platforms do not have documented mechanisms enabling collective expression of the “voices of all workers, ensure that workers’ freedom of association is not inhibited, and have a written statement of willingness to recognise or negotiate with a collective, independent body of workers”.