Uber has introduced a number of new safety features to the UK and 22 other European countries in its latest drive to improve passenger confidence.
The company’s five million regular users across the UK will now have access to a Safety Toolkit section of the Uber app, which was announced earlier this year and is already available in the US.
Among them is the ability to share a live map of your location with five designated friends and family members, as well as an emergency assistance feature that connects passengers to 999 and shows the operator their current location.
“With more than 15 million trips on the Uber app every day, there is nothing more important than the safety of riders and drivers,” said Sachin Kansal, Uber’s global head of safety products.
“Over the last year we’ve been working to develop innovative features that increase transparency, accountability and peace of mind for all users.
“The rollout of these new safety features across Europe is the next step in making sure that we’re helping everyone stay safe and connected, wherever you might be.”
Passengers will also be able to access information about their driver, including licensing and DBS background checks.
Both licensed drivers and Uber Eats couriers will be able to make use of some of the features, such as the ability to share trip details with trusted contacts and contact emergency assistance through the app.
