By Angelica Villanueva
FOR the past few months, Uber has launched various features to improve their services not only for their riders, but also for their partner-drivers.
Last Jan. 16, one of the leading transport network companies launched another feature to add to their Uber-driver app.
With the Philippines as the “social networking capital of the world,” Uber believes that the country will be the perfect place to utilize technology to improve the overall experiences of their drivers and customers by enhancing their safety through the app’s newest feature.
“We believe that technology can help us lean into safety in new ways for our drivers, riders and for the hundreds of cities we passionately serve,” said Uber in a statement.
With recent incidents of TNC drivers falling prey to criminals and their activities, Uber introduced an app that will verify the rider’s identity and ensure the safety, “control, and peace of mind, helping to keep all driver-partners safe before, during, and after every trip.”
The said feature will require riders without an electronic payment method, specifically riders who pay on cash, to connect their Uber account to their Facebook to verify their identity.
Uber Philippines General Manager Laurence Cua said they are doing this with the help of other TNCs and TNVS leaders such as the LTFRB, PNP-HPG, MMDA and Red Cross.
LTFRB Board Member and Spokesperson Aileen Lizada also expressed the agency’s support to Uber and acknowledge its initiative to launch the first Rider Identification app that will enhance the safety of driver-partners.
“This is one of the outcomes of the Safety and Security Technical Working Group meetings conducted by the LTFRB together with the TNCs, TNVS leaders, PNP-HPG, MMDA, and Red Cross. This will hopefully provide an additional layer of security for our TNVS drivers who provide service to the riding public,” said Lizada.
In the future, Uber hints that more features are going to be launched that will secure the safety of their driver-partners and riders.