NEW DELHI: Uber drivers can now record audio if they feel ‘uncomfortable’ or are concerned about their safety during trips. The recording would be encrypted and not accessible to either the driver or rider. This is part of a slew of driver-centric measures taken by Uber amid stiff competition from rivals like InDrive and Rapido, who charge lower commissions from drivers.
Uber would not access the audio unless the driver chooses to submit it as part of a safety report.
“This feature, compliant with India’s one-party consent law, is available nationwide. It offers peace of mind in situations where drivers may feel vulnerable during a trip,” the US-based ride aggregator said.
In yet another move, female drivers can now have the option to choose to accept only female riders, a feature that is particularly useful during late hours. According to the company, this optional feature has already enabled over 21,000 trips. It helps female earners prioritise their safety, drive for longer hours, and boost their earnings.
The company has also added a feature, whereby riders facing delays in securing a ride can now add a tip before the trip begins, incentivizing drivers to accept the request promptly. This feature benefits riders by increasing the likelihood of securing a ride and boosts drivers' earnings.
In yet another move, Uber now allows drivers to instantly access the payment made through the app.