Uber has introduced two new safety features in the UK, designed to give passengers and drivers greater peace of mind. The ride-hailing giant now allows passengers to record audio of their journeys through the Uber app, which can be activated either before or during a trip. Drivers will be notified about the recording and have the option to cancel the booking without penalty.
Audio Recording for Extra Security
The audio recording is encrypted and only accessible to Uber if it is uploaded through the app as part of a safety report. If no report is made, the recording is automatically deleted after two weeks. This feature aims to provide an additional layer of security for both riders and drivers.
Verified Badge for Passengers
Starting next week, Uber is also introducing a verified badge that will appear on the profile of passengers who have had their personal details cross-checked with third-party databases or have chosen to upload an official identity document and a selfie. This helps drivers feel more confident about who is getting into their vehicle.
Uber UK general manager Andrew Brem said: "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."
Government and Advocacy Support
Local transport minister Lilian Greenwood welcomed the move, stating: "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, commented: "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, said: "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."
Expansion of Electric Vehicle Options
These safety updates come after Uber expanded its electric vehicle (EV) service to eight more UK cities earlier this year. Passengers in Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Cambridge, Belfast, and Merseyside (including Liverpool) can now request a trip in an EV when one is nearby. Journeys in an electric Uber car cost the same as those in a standard UberX vehicle.
