To ensure safe and reliable mode of transportation during COVID-19, Uber has quickly adapted their safety features and policies to follow the directives set by the government.
“Since the pandemic began, Uber has taken meaningful steps to help keep everyone on the Uber platform safe. This includes providing the latest public health information in our apps, and providing active drivers diagnosed with COVID-19 – or those having to self-isolate – with financial assistance from Uber for up to 14 days. This is in addition to the free Partner Protection insurance with UAP Old Mutual Life Assurance Uganda,” said Brian Njao, Uber Head of East Africa.
Earlier this year, the app built innovative technology designed to verify that drivers on Uber are wearing a mask. As part of a new in-app safety checklist, before drivers go online they will be asked to take a selfie to verify they are wearing a mask or face covering using new object recognition technology. Any driver who is not wearing a mask or other face covering will not be able to go online.
“To ensure that riders also adhere to the directives set by the government, to have a mask on in any public setting, we have introduced a new rider mask verification feature using the same technology. If a driver reports to Uber that a rider wasn’t wearing a mask, the rider will be required to take a selfie with their face covered before they’re able to take another trip with Uber. With the addition of this new feature, one driver’s feedback can help ensure the safety of Uber for the next driver,” Njao said.
Drivers will also be asked to confirm they’ve taken additional safety measures such as regularly sanitising their vehicles and Boda Bodas and making hand sanitizer available for their riders. While riders will be required to take safety precautions like washing their hands before hopping onto the UberX or uberBODA.
Other safety measures include:
- Free cancellations for safety concerns: Drivers can cancel a ride without a penalty if a rider isn’t wearing a mask or face covering. Riders can do the same. These cancellations must be related to safety concerns, Uber’s Community Guidelines prohibit discrimination against anyone based on their race or perceived national origin.
- New health and hygiene feedback system: We have added new options for feedback in the Uber app, including if a rider or driver is not wearing a mask. Anyone who is repeatedly flagged for violating our new safety policies risks losing access to Uber’s apps.
- Safety education materials: Working with the World Health Organization and the latest public health advice, we have compiled safety tips and recommendations specifically geared toward ridesharing and food delivery. This will be used to educate riders, drivers, couriers and restaurants when we learn of unsafe behavior.
