Uber is rolling out two new in-app safety features designed to offer 'extra peace of mind' for both passengers and drivers during their trips. Starting today, 28 May, the ride-hailing company has launched an audio recording feature and a verified passenger badge.
Before or after getting into their designated vehicle, passengers can now activate the recording via the app with the simple click of a button. Audio content is safely encrypted on passengers' devices, and are only shared with Uber when submitted through an official safety report. If a report is not made within two weeks, the recording will be deleted.
Drivers will be alerted before accepting a ride if audio recording is enabled - however, they will have the option of declining or cancelling the trip without facing penalties. As of next week, Uber will also introduce another brand new feature to ensure the safety of drivers: a verified badge for passengers. The special blue badge indicates the passenger's identity has been verified via official documents and a selfie, or through third-party database checks.
This will be visible to drivers when users request a ride. Uber UK general manager, Andrew Brem, commented: 'We are always investing in new ways to make journeys even safer. These new safety features provide both riders and drivers with extra peace of mind. Riders can record the audio of their journeys securely, and drivers can feel more confident about who is getting in their car.'
Local transport minister, Lilian Greenwood, added: 'Everyone deserves to feel safe when travelling, whether they are a passenger or a driver. I welcome Uber taking further steps to strengthen safety on its platform, giving people greater confidence when using private hire services, and showing how technology can help make everyday journeys safer.'
Lucy Duckworth, of the Survivors Trust, which represents rape and sexual abuse support services, said: 'We have to create a safety-first culture as a society, where people respect each other and unsafe behaviour is challenged. These two new features are a positive step toward giving drivers and riders more confidence on their journey.'
Kola Olalekan, an Uber driver and branch secretary for the GMB union, commented: 'I’m really glad to know that Uber riders can now be verified, something GMB have been requesting from Uber for a while. PHV (private hire vehicle) drivers pick-up passengers from a huge range of areas, at all hours. Seeing a verification badge is going to give me extra confidence and makes me much more likely to accept a booking.'
While most associate Uber with cars, the taxi service app is also set to introduce a new nautical feature. UK travellers heading to southern Europe this summer can now hitch a wave, as boat rental service Click&Boat and Uber have launched a new collaboration allowing users to book boats. The service will allow users to hire boats through the boat symbol on the Uber app in several coastal destinations across Europe.
Users will be able to select a vessel from a curated fleet of around 4,000 boats, completing their booking via the Click&Boat platform to enjoy a seamless experience with a skipper included. Launching from mid-June until October, it will be available across more than 20 coastal cities in Spain, France, Italy, Croatia and Portugal, giving holidaymakers easier access to on-demand boating experiences throughout the Mediterranean. The announcement was made at Uber's GO-GET 2026 event in New York, where the company outlined its broader ambition to become a one-stop travel platform.
