Uber to Add In-App Panic Button for Riders in India

Uber in a blog post on Thursday responded to the security concerns raised by the Mumbai Transportation Department, and revealed some of the features that will be added in the app for riders in India.

The app-based taxi operator has confirmed that it will release on February 11 additional built-in safety features in its app, namely an in-app panic (SOS) button that will allow a rider to alert the local police at the push of a button in case of an emergency, while another feature is called the Safety Net that will enable riders to share their trip details and real-time location with up to five friends and family members.

The company further added that a dedicated team will manage emergencies. It explains, "We have established a dedicated local Incident Response Team that oversees and responds to incidents against property and person reported by riders and will also receive a notification (in addition to the local Police) when the in-app panic button is pressed."

"This specialised team has completed an extensive training program by our US safety experts and will be reachable 24x7. They will also assist local law enforcement officers during distress situations," blog adds.

Further, the company has shared its views on installation of physical panic buttons on cars and it says they can "cause confusion and are prone to wear and tear." Uber also gives an example of Himmat, a SOS app that was launched by the Delhi Police in January.

App-based taxi operator further clears its stance on installing the physical panic buttons on cars for its service. It notes, "In the broader interest of rider safety and our efforts to work with the authorities, we have expressed willingness to install physical buttons provided that there is only one physical panic button per car; the duty to install the button is on the owner of the vehicle; and pressing the button calls the local police directly."

The company also expressed interest in funding the installation of panic button in the car of an "existing or interested prospective driver-partner on the Uber platform."

Uber also detailed its recently improved Share MY ETA feature which now includes the driver's photo, besides allowing friends and family members to track the ride in real time.

The company earlier this week partnered with First Advantage for more stringent driver background checks.

Last month, Delhi government found deficiencies in applications of Uber and three other companies to procure licences to run cab services in the national capital. The Delhi Government last month cleared its stance on Uber service ban and revealed that the company cannot operate in the city since the ban was not revoked.

Late last month, rival Ola Cabs introduced a similar in-app SOS button that when activated, would send out all ride details in real-time including GPS coordinates to a preset friend or family member of the user via SMS and email. Ola says customers can also opt-in to always share ride details, without having to do so every time they take a ride.