Uber
added on Wednesday a panic button and tracking features to its taxi
hailing app in India after the US-based company was banned in New Delhi
last year over rape allegations against one of its drivers.
Uber’s
India app now has a “send status” feature to enable passengers to share
ride details with their contacts in real time. The app also has an
“SOS” button to call the local police directly.
A
spokesman said the functions were the first market-specific safety
features launched by Uber. The company also said it plans to launch
safety features in other countries soon.
“Safety
concerns tend to be unique for each local market. We recognised the
demand for these features in India,” the spokesman added.
Authorities
in New Delhi banned Uber in December following the rape allegations and
issued rules that require all taxis to be equipped with a physical
panic button. While the service remains officially banned in Delhi, Uber
resumed operations there in January and has since said it has stepped
up background checks on all its India drivers. The app is available in
several cities.
Uber
is also fighting bans in France, Spain and South Korea for alleged
violations including using unlicensed drivers. It has also had to
contend with rape allegations against drivers in Chicago and Boston.
Posted by : Gizmeon
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