Uber Enhances Safety Features Globally with Focus on Women's Security at Night

Key Points

• Uber introduces enhanced safety features globally, focusing on nighttime security for women.
• The company reports a decrease in severe sexual assault cases, alongside efforts to improve road safety for Uber Eats couriers.
• Safety features are now available in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America, with plans for further international expansion.

In this news

Uber Technologies announced on Wednesday a significant enhancement of its safety features for passengers worldwide, emphasizing the security of women during nighttime rides. This initiative allows passengers to select up to four safety preferences during their journey, including encrypted audio recordings, PIN verification, and live location sharing. The move comes as Uber seeks to address longstanding concerns and criticisms regarding its handling of passenger safety, particularly in response to allegations of assaults by drivers and accusations of inadequate safety training and background checks.

Historically, Uber has faced numerous lawsuits from victims alleging that the company failed to prevent sexual assaults. In an effort to be transparent, Uber disclosed receiving approximately 3,800 reports of severe sexual assaults in the U.S. during 2019 and 2020, a decrease from nearly 6,000 reports in the previous two years. Besides enhancing passenger safety, Uber has also committed to road safety for its motorcycle couriers through Uber Eats. Last year, the company signed a charter in London aimed at preventing road accidents among its delivery personnel.

The newly introduced safety features are currently available across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America, with plans to expand to additional countries in the coming weeks. This proactive approach by Uber not only aims to safeguard its passengers but also seeks to restore trust and improve its public image amidst ongoing legal challenges and safety concerns. The company's efforts to bolster safety measures reflect a strategic move to align more closely with customer expectations and regulatory demands for safer ride-sharing experiences.