Rider-hailing company Uber has launched a new feature on its platform enabling you to record audio while on a trip in the event of an emergency.
Uber is piloting the feature in Pretoria and Johannesburg.
The new feature will now allow riders and drivers to use the app to record and share audio of their trip as evidence in case of a safety incident.
This is something that drivers have been asking for based on their feedback from roundtable sessions.
The new opt-in audio recording feature has been successful in the US and Latin American regions where Uber has a presence.
“Safety is at the core of how we do business and we are proud to announce three new safety features to help improve the experience of users”, says General Manager for Uber SSA, Kagiso Khaole.
In-app emergency service in Nigeria
Uber is also working with Sety in Nigeria, to provide on-demand security and medical response for riders and drivers while on a trip.
“This collaboration will also provide access to a private security response unit closest to their location, using a connected device,” said Uber.
Safety Check Up across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
Uber said this feature encourages riders to complete their safety profile by turning on and utilising the available features such as Trusted Contacts, PIN verification and RideCheck.
“This is available in all the countries within SSA where Uber operates.”
Eight new cities and counting
Uber will now be operational in Owerri and Akure in Nigeria; Eldoret, Kisumu, Nakuru and Naivasha in Kenya; and Tamale and Sunyani in Ghana.
“These expansions are testament to Uber’s commitment to the region and signal more opportunities for more drivers to earn, while riders have convenient and reliable travel options at the tap of a button. In these expansions Uber brings a diverse product mix that is able to best serve the needs of the city residents.”
More economical options for riders
To help reduce costs for riders and increase demand for drivers, Uber is launching UberX Share in Ghana and Nigeria, and Uber ChapChap Share in Kenya. Uber’s shared rides offering allows riders to save up to 30% of the trip fare when matched with a co-rider heading in the same direction, and where a match is not possible, they will still be able to save 5% from their ride.
“The introduction of UberX Share allows us to proudly demonstrate the power of our platform, understanding the ability to match rider destinations while delivering convenience and affordability. We are a global company that builds locally; and in Ghana, we tapped into the local culture of car-pooling when moving around, which makes this product a great fit for the market,” says Khaole.
Kagiso Khaole appointed as new GM for Uber SSA
Travelling across the city with an entire crew has never been easier, with the launch of UberXL in Nairobi, Kenya. This option provides seating for up to six people which is great for airport and business trips where extra luggage space may be required. In South Africa, riders can now reserve their group travel 30 days in advance with UberXL Reserve and Uber Van Reserve.
Uber Comfort, which is currently available in South Africa and Côte d’Ivoire, will now be available in Ghana. This bespoke offering is designed for riders looking for an upgrade to their everyday ride with extra comfort. Drivers on Uber Comfort are known to provide excellent service, while exhibiting friendliness, courtesy and professionalism.
Uber Connect, one of the app’s most popular products available in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ghana; will soon be available in two additional cities in Nigeria. Uber Connect is an on-demand delivery solution that allows users to send and receive packages with speed. The feature comes built-in with a PIN verification providing users peace of mind that their package is being delivered to the right person.
