Slashdot Mirror


Uber Will Add Panic Button and Location/Journey Sharing In India

mpicpp sends word about new Uber safety measures coming soon to India. "Late last year, Uber announced plans for tighter safety measures in India following the rape of a passenger using its service in December. Now it has confirmed that two major features — an in-app panic button and journey/location sharing — will roll out to users in India on February 11

The company went public with the launch date after Times Of India reported that the Mumbai transportation department was considering a ban on its service over its apparent approach to safety. Authorities are reportedly "not happy with Uber representatives' responses during various meetings held to consider measures for passengers' safety."

Uber cleared the air on its plans to settle "some misconceptions" around its safety policy — which already includes more stringent background checks and a dedicated emergency response team. That will be boosted when the in-app panic button, which alerts local police when triggered, and a 'safety net' feature, which goes beyond Uber's existing 'share my ETA' feature to let customers share details of their location and trip with up to five other people, go live in India next week."

4 of 91 comments (clear)

  1. Re:In-App panic button is a great idea by Rick+in+China · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'd be surprised, though, if someone had the time to take out their phone, unlock it, open the app, and hit the button mid-rape.

    They could also add a "is a rapist" feedback item in the driver rating system..

  2. Re:Is India As Dirty As People Say? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    can i shit in the temples if i dress up as the appropriate animal?

  3. Re:Seriously? by houghi · · Score: 4, Funny

    It is their choice to pick them up. It is not as if they are taxis where the driver does it for a job, right?

    --
    Don't fight for your country, if your country does not fight for you.
  4. Re:Uber is the problem! Let's ban it! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Remember drivers, you need to keep your ratings up. As long as you only rape one in every ten passengers, you'll still be 4.5 stars!

    Instead of taxi, app contained bobcat. Would not buy again.