Uber introduces India-specific safety features

Will include panic buttons and in-app GPS tracking tools

Mobile application-based taxi aggregator Uber on Wednesday said it has introduced two new India-specific safety-related features, including panic buttons and in-app tracking tools.

The move comes a few months after the driver of an Uber cab was accused of raping a passenger in New Delhi.

Uber’s apps will now have a “send status” feature, where passengers can share details about the driver and the vehicle with their friends and family. The feature also lets passengers allow access to GPS tracking of their taxi to their kin, and share information like the driver’s photograph, name and vehicle licence number.

The company earlier allowed passengers to share their estimated time of arrival with others. With this new feature, passengers can also send their trip details to up to five pre-selected contacts with just two taps on a button in the Uber app.

“Our commitment to safety means we’re always working to make riding with Uber the safest and most dependable way to get around. As part of that commitment, we are always seeking to improve our safety technologies and processes,” Uber said. “We are proud to pilot these features across all cities in India, and we will roll out additional safety features in other cities and countries in the coming months.”