Uber is introducing new safety measures in India to win back trust

Following the horrific incident in New Delhi, where a woman was raped by a driver of the cab she had booked using Uber’s taxi app, the company is trying to regain trust by implementing new safety measures.

In a recent report , the Delhi Transport department has amended laws to bring app-based aggregators under the Radio Taxi Scheme of 2006. This means companies like Uber will be held responsible for the conduct of drivers employed and will also need to ensure their police verification. Some other changes in the new radio taxi regulations include mandatory GPS/GPRS tracking devices, valid public service badge issued in Delhi, driver’s photograph and licence details displayed on the dashboard and so on.

Uber has announced that it will update its safety features in India that are in addition to the bare minimum rules set by the government.

Police Verification: Uber says it will re-verify all Uber Delhi driver-partners have an authentic and valid police verification. However, it does not mention if it will follow the same policy in locations other than Delhi. Document Verification: Uber plans to hire a local team of safety experts to detect fraud, verify and authenticate driver/vehicle documents and test the validity of the company’s screening. Background Checks: The company will engage local and global experts to evaluate the background screening solution across India, in addition to the mandatory police verification enforced by the government. Incident Response Team: Uber is also setting up a call center, dedicated to resolving issues for riders and the driver community in India. In-App Safety Features: The Uber app will come with an enhanced ShareMyETA button, which will allow you to send your complete trip details (including live GPS tracking, driver photo, name and vehicle license number) to your friends and family, giving them the ability to track the vehicle as as the driver.

Uber is trying very hard to make a comeback in New Delhi after the government put a ban on its taxi services and blacklisted the company. The company has even launched a #BringUberBack campaign pleading for the lifting of the ban. The Delhi High Court has also granted Uber a hearing in front of the Transport Department of Delhi today at 10.30 AM.