Uber launches new 111 button for drivers and passengers

Friday, 28 September 2018

Designated trusted contacts will be able to follow Uber passenger trips to ensure they arrive safely.

Uber's new emergency button for drivers and passengers will be rolled out nationally by the end of the month.

Australia and New Zealand are the first countries outside the US and Canada to launch the button which allows app users to call 111 during a trip, and shows their real time location so they can tell emergency call centre personnel.

Tapping a shield icon on the bottom right-hand corner of the screen gives riders and drivers access to 111 assistance.

They can also use a new trusted contacts feature to share trip details with up to five designated friends and family members.

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Uber's New Zealand country manager Amanda Gilmore said those contacts could follow the ride and know when passengers safely reached their destination.

'So they know where you are and who you are riding with, and drivers can do the same.

'We've been in contact with emergency services prior to this launch to let them know what's happening and how we're planning to roll it out, and that's been well received by them.'

Gilmore said the extra safety measures were in response to demand from drivers and passengers, rather than a reaction to any specific complaints.

'It gives that extra assurance that if you were in a situation where you ever felt unsafe, you have the resources to do something about it.'

Last year an Australian Uber driver was found guilty of raping a female customer, and earlier this year Los Angeles law enforcement officers revealed they were dealing with a string of sexual assault cases in which attackers pretended to be Uber or drivers to lure women into their vehicles.

In March an Auckland woman complained an Uber driver had harassed her over a potential arranged a marriage between her and one of his friends

Uber does not publicly disclose information about complaints and incidents, but that is beginning to change.

Gilmore said Uber has agreed to start releasing 'transparency' reports in the U.S next year, 'but we haven't determined when we might release them in New Zealand.'