Uber drivers across South Africa have always been linked to a central control room via a security number, but now, Uber has improved this service by partnering up with multiple security response services.

This is according to MyBroadband, who went on to report that security or medical personnel can be dispatched within minutes:

These new partnerships will see security and medical services dispatched in emergency situations in a reduced time, in an effort to improve the safety for driver-partners who use the Uber app.

This follows the pilot of SOS buttons fitted to 500 Uber vehicles in Johannesburg from September to December 2016.

Although the security number has always been linked to a company, it was less localised and didn’t include medical response.

“We learned a great deal from the pilot last year, most importantly, that the response time needed to be reduced”, said David Myers, head of trust and safety, MEA at Uber.

“We are focussing on our security number operated by a central control room, and making use of multiple private security companies who are location specific to reduce the response time and get help to partners quicker.”

“We are committed to making them feel as safe as possible when using our app.”

And, as standard practice, calls to the control room will also be recorded for use in investigations.

Launched in Johannesburg, the rest of South Africa will see the feature roll out in the coming weeks so that by March all cities will support the improved security system.

Well played, team – if you’re not yet on board with Uber head over HERE to get involved.

[source:mybroadband]