Clockwise from top left: Uber adds new safety measures in its app: PPE for drivers; face cover checks; safety rating and Sachin Kansal, global senior director, Product Management, Uber, explaining about the new features
Cab aggregator Uber has announced a set of new safety rules, including mandatory use of face masks for both the driver and rider in Uber cabs in India during a ride.
In India’s lockdown 4.0 (until May 31), the Centre has allowed interstate travel; though flight operations, metro and railway services continue to remain suspended.
Several cities in India have already announced certain relaxations in the fourth phase of the lockdown with one being the resumption of ride-hailing services.
The company said that now riders and drivers will see a number of new additions in the app. These include:
Go Online Checklist: This is a new interactive feature in the app. Before a driver can go online, they will be asked to confirm via Go Online Checklist that they have taken certain safety measures and are wearing a mask or covering the face. Similarly, there is a checklist built for riders as well. Before every trip; the rider will have to confirm that they have taken precautions like wearing a face mask, and have washed or sanitised their hands.
Mask verification: Before drivers accept trips, they will have to upload a selfie wearing a face mask, and Uber’s new technology will verify the identity of the driver.
Accountability for all: New options for feedback have also been added for both rider and driver to inform the company if the other party was not wearing a mask or face cover. Moreover, Uber has also updated its cancellation policy, which now allows drivers and riders to cancel trips if they don’t feel safe, including if a user is not wearing a mask or face cover.
