Uber launches new features for riders safety

New feature will be rolled out from today

Uber has unveiled it will begin giving riders across the UK even more control over their on-trip experience, with the ability to choose what in-app safety features to use depending on when and where they are ordering a ride. 

The new tool - Safety Preferences - will make it easier than ever for customers to make the most of Uber’s in-app safety features, especially at night.

This includes the ability to choose up to three safety features to automatically turn on based on time or location, whether it’s for all trips, trips after 9pm, or even every time a customer leaves a bar or restaurant. 

Safety preferences will be available to all users via their settings in the Uber app and includes the ability to customise RideCheck, PIN Verification and Share My Trip.

RideCheck helps detect if a ride goes off-course, stops unexpectedly, or ends early and sends an in-app check-in. Or riders can choose to receive check-ins more frequently. 

When this happens, we’ll check-in to ask if everything is ok and offer resources to help. 

· PIN verification will give riders the option to receive a four-digit PIN code to provide to a driver before the trip can begin to help ensure riders are getting into the right car. 

· Share My Trip will see riders automatically share their live location and trip details with a friend or family member if they choose to.

Anabel Diaz, vice president, head of EMEA mobility of Uber, said: “What we heard from riders - especially our women riders - is that they wanted to have more choice, and more control over their safety features. 

"With this new tool we’re making it easier than ever to leverage our in-app safety features, especially at night. So whatever evening plans are organised, riders will have the additional peace of mind that their safety preferences are taken care of when they ride with Uber.”

Fay Maxted, OBE, CEO of The Survivors Trust, said: "The Survivors Trust is thrilled to strengthen our partnership with Uber as we continue to assist them in developing safety plans. 

"This new rider-controlled safety feature not only provides an additional layer of support for solo travellers but also plays a crucial role in breaking the taboo surrounding sexual violence. 

"It shouldn't be solely the responsibility of riders to ensure their safety, so Uber's initiative in creating discreet and hassle-free travel safety measures is leading the way."

She added: "We hope it serves as an inspiration to other companies to not ignore the difficult taboo of sexual violence and to take joint responsibility in tackling the problem."