Following recent reports of violent incidents in Uber taxis‚ the app-based ride-hailing company has beefed up its security.
In addition to the driver image‚ vehicle type and licence plate‚ riders across South Africa will now also see the colour of the vehicle when they request a ride.
“This is a phased roll-out and not everyone will see this right away as Uber are testing different groups and user preferences‚” Uber said in a statement.
“The vehicle’s colour will feature next to the license plate‚ for example: GG 257 YT GP (Red). This is the first step in introducing this feature across Sub Saharan Africa and will go a long way to helping ensuring riders get in the correct vehicle with the correct driver-partner.”
Uber will also introduce an SOS button which is currently in its pilot states around Johannesburg.
“During the pilot‚ SOS buttons will be installed into select partner vehicles and linked to Uber’s central security system. The security team will monitor the devices 24 hours a day‚ seven days a week.
“This update will allow driver-partners to connect to a broad base of emergency services and receive advice in a critical situation. Should the pilot prove useful this feature could be introduced to the other cities across South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.”
In addition to these new features Uber has also hired security expert Deon du Toit as its new head of security for Africa.
“Uber is deeply committed to safety and are today announcing the addition of a senior member to the security team as well as safety improvements for riders and drivers‚” the company said.
Du Toit joins the Uber Africa team from the De Beers Group where he worked as Head of Global Interventions and Investigations where he was responsible for combatting global illegal diamond trade and managing the protection of partners and staff.
Meanwhile‚ police are still investigating two cases of assault‚ rape‚ robbery and kidnapping after a couple and singer‚ Tamara Dey’s‚ mother were attacked‚ allegedly by an ex-Uber driver and at least one other accomplice recently.
“We have released two men who were arrested early this month on charges of rape‚ kidnpap and assualt. We have not arrested them again as investigations are underway. As soon as we have concluded our investigations we will make arrests and put the matter back on the court roll‚” police spokesman Lungelo Dlamini said.
Uber beefs up security
Following recent reports of violent incidents in Uber taxis‚ the app-based ride-hailing company has beefed up its security.
In addition to the driver image‚ vehicle type and licence plate‚ riders across South Africa will now also see the colour of the vehicle when they request a ride.
“This is a phased roll-out and not everyone will see this right away as Uber are testing different groups and user preferences‚” Uber said in a statement.
“The vehicle’s colour will feature next to the license plate‚ for example: GG 257 YT GP (Red). This is the first step in introducing this feature across Sub Saharan Africa and will go a long way to helping ensuring riders get in the correct vehicle with the correct driver-partner.”
Uber will also introduce an SOS button which is currently in its pilot states around Johannesburg.
“During the pilot‚ SOS buttons will be installed into select partner vehicles and linked to Uber’s central security system. The security team will monitor the devices 24 hours a day‚ seven days a week.
“This update will allow driver-partners to connect to a broad base of emergency services and receive advice in a critical situation. Should the pilot prove useful this feature could be introduced to the other cities across South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.”
In addition to these new features Uber has also hired security expert Deon du Toit as its new head of security for Africa.
“Uber is deeply committed to safety and are today announcing the addition of a senior member to the security team as well as safety improvements for riders and drivers‚” the company said.
Du Toit joins the Uber Africa team from the De Beers Group where he worked as Head of Global Interventions and Investigations where he was responsible for combatting global illegal diamond trade and managing the protection of partners and staff.
Meanwhile‚ police are still investigating two cases of assault‚ rape‚ robbery and kidnapping after a couple and singer‚ Tamara Dey’s‚ mother were attacked‚ allegedly by an ex-Uber driver and at least one other accomplice recently.
“We have released two men who were arrested early this month on charges of rape‚ kidnpap and assualt. We have not arrested them again as investigations are underway. As soon as we have concluded our investigations we will make arrests and put the matter back on the court roll‚” police spokesman Lungelo Dlamini said.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos