Uber’s New Safety Feature Protects Passengers and Drivers

As one of the most talked-about transportation services on the market, Uber is constantly looking to improve. Their screening services and dedication to safe rides are top notch, and every mobile service should have the same level of commitment.

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Last month, Uber released a new safety feature, dubbed the “cross streets” feature. This allows Uber passengers to share a location at an intersection or street-side curb, instead of sending them to their actual home address. Recent studies done about Uber riders’ comfort reveals that many of them would feel safer if they shared less personal information with the initial app and the driver, and Uber has expanded the location capabilities for pickup in response.

Uber has come under fire recently for questions surrounding their privacy policies and business practices. The efforts they are making to diversify pick-up options mimic what is already in place, but with thorough instruction. The “cross roads” feature works by typing in two intersecting roads and selecting a pin location from there. Riders can also drag and drop the pin from their home address, which initially needs to be typed in, but will not appear on the driver’s pick-up information. This service is also available for drop-off as well.

This is not the only safety feature Uber has tested as of late. In the United Arab Emirates, both driver and rider are able to verify each other with a “driver verification” service. This requires a photo to be posted periodically so that both parties can see each other in real time. The “selfie snap” has been a successful pilot, and generates more trust in the experience for both rider and driver.

Soon, the company will even allow for this information to be shared without exchanging actual phone numbers, further removing user information from drivers and providing an experience with more peace of mind. However, this feature has yet to expand beyond the UAE, Egypt, and surrounding countries, but its positive feedback and test results are a hopeful sign for further expansion.