Ola to invest $20 mn on safety initiatives this year

Firm's new new number masking feature on its app doesn't disclose customer's cell number to drivers

Taxi-hailing app Ola will invest $20 million (over Rs 130 crore) by March, 2016 on various initiatives to ensure passenger safety.

The Bengaluru-based company has also introduced a new number masking feature on its app that does not disclose the customer's mobile number to drivers.

"All driver-partners on the Ola platform are verified and licenced by the local authorities. They have to necessarily undergo the mandatory training at the time of on-boarding and subsequent feedback driven training from time to time," Ola Chief Operating Officer Pranay Jivrajka said.

The new feature, too, comes as part of Ola's commitment to allocate $20 million for safety initiatives over this year, he added.

While the number masking feature will reduce the risk of any untoward experience for passengers, driver-partners can save on their calling costs.

Ola will be able to closely monitor driver behaviour and conversations, resulting in a superior experience for users, he said.

Apart from number masking, Ola platform offers features like live GPS tracking, sharing of ride details, feedback and reporting during the ride as well as an in-app SOS button to ensure passenger safety.

"As a technology platform, we are committed to bringing scalable and sustainable programmes to ensure that user safety and security is always above everything else," Jivrajka said.