Uber Introduces India-Specific Safety Features in Taxi App

Uber Technologies Inc. added on Wednesday a panic button and tracking features to its taxi hailing app in India after the U.S.-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.

© Thomson Reuters 2015