Uber to Implement New Policies with Eye on Safety
Published at | Updated at(NEW YORK) — In a blog post on Thursday, ride-sharing company Uber announced that it would implement new policies in an attempt to increase safety.
In the post, titled “Our Commitment to Safety,” Uber says it will implement technology in ways that will “ensure the safety of riders and drivers.” The company mentions plants to research and develop “biometrics and voice verification” to enhance driver screening. They also hope to give riders the ability to communicate both with Uber and with their loved ones in the case of an emergency.
Uber also says it will explore new methods of screening drivers, including the use of scientific analysis and technology. Similar methods, the company says, are being undertaken in India, where earlier this month a woman was allegedly raped by an Uber driver.
Tim Collins, a former executive at Amazon, will join the company to lead their Global Support department, the company announced. The goal of that department will be to continue to evolve customer service and build Safety Incident Response teams around the world.
Finally, the company “will be working with partners that have deep expertise in issues like women’s safety, conflict resolution, and road safety” and incorporate their recommendations into the Uber plan.
In addition to the India case, in November a New York woman claimed she was harassed by a driver for canceling a ride.
Uber also faces a lawsuit filed by prosecutors in San Francisco and Los Angeles alleging the company is breaking rules and made false and misleading statements about background checks conducted on drivers.
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