Uber, the ride-hailing platform, has launched a new audio recording feature in South Africa that will give riders and drivers access to record how their trip is faring, which is a useful tool in an emergency. And this functionality will be made available in Johannesburg and Pretoria in South Africa by September 8, 2022.
At a press event on Tuesday, Kagiso Khaole, Uber’s sub-Saharan General Manager, said that this new audio-recording feature would bring a new revolution in the quality of evidence collected when the passengers and drivers record safety cases.
“When a rider or driver logs a safety incident along with a recording, they give Uber permission to look at the file as part of an investigation.”
“We believe this feature will improve the conduct of users of the Uber app, as drivers and riders will hold each other accountable every step of the way,” he added.
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Uber Audio Safety Function
This new feature came about because drivers asked for it at a roundtable meeting that the company held. To activate this feature, users must press the app’s shield icon and select “record audio.”
As Khaole explained, “The audio file is encrypted and stored on the respective rider and driver’s devices, but no one can listen to the audio — not even Uber. The audio can only be accessed and listened to if the rider or driver decides to submit a safety report.”
He also said that the company is always looking for ways to improve the app’s safety features. He pointed out that every trip is tracked.
“The RideCheck feature can detect unusual routes, and loved ones of users can follow their route in real-time, and they can get private emergency help through the app at the push of a button,” Khaole concluded.
More from Uber
This new opt-in audio recording option has proved successful in parts of the United States and Latin America, where Uber has a presence. The feature is now being trialled in Pretoria and Johannesburg. Because of a deal between the companies and Sety, Uber customers and drivers in Nigeria can get security and medical help when needed. A journey. This partnership will also give users access to the private security response unit closest to them geographically through a connected device.
Riders are encouraged to complete their safety profiles by activating and making use of the services that are accessible to them, such as Trusted Contacts, PIN verification, and Thisa This feature is available in all Sub-Saharan African countries where Uber is available.
Kagiso added that the company is excited to expand into eight more cities throughout Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana during the month of September.