VERIFIED, AUDIO RECORDING AND PINS: What are the new Uber driver safety features appearing on the app?
Uber has unveiled a series of new safety features aimed at enhancing the experience for its drivers. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi announced these updates, which are designed to offer drivers more control, security, and ease of use while driving with the platform.
One of the most significant changes is the nationwide rollout of enhanced rider verification. From today, drivers across the country will be able to see a "Verified" badge on trip requests. This indicates that the rider has completed additional identity checks. Riders will either have their account details verified through third-party databases or can upload an ID to gain this status. This change comes in response to driver feedback, with many requesting more information about who they are picking up. Trials in select US cities showed that verified riders tend to receive more five-star ratings and fewer complaints from drivers.
Uber is also introducing the "Record My Ride" feature to drivers nationwide. This tool allows drivers to record video and audio during trips using their smartphone's front-facing camera, without needing to invest in a dashcam. The recordings are encrypted and stored on the driver’s device, ensuring privacy, as only the driver can choose to submit the footage for review in case of an incident. This feature is designed to offer drivers an additional layer of protection and make resolving disputes easier.
Additional technology updates include:
Trip navigation on Tesla displays: Uber drivers with Tesla vehicles can now integrate their car's display with the Uber app, allowing for seamless turn-by-turn navigation directly on the car’s screen. This aims to improve the driving experience and reduce distractions.
Hands-free prompts: For iOS users, drivers can now use Siri to customise voice-activated shortcuts in the Uber app. These include actions like calling a rider or going online, all without needing to touch their phone.
PIN verification: Drivers can now enable a PIN system to verify that they are picking up the correct rider. Riders must provide a PIN to the driver before the trip can start, adding an extra layer of security to the process.
Guest riders: Uber has addressed the confusion that can occur when picking up a guest who is different from the person who booked the ride. Now, drivers will be able to communicate directly with guest riders via phone or in-app messaging, even if the guest doesn’t have the Uber app.
The updates will be available across the country in the coming days.
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