Bulli’s Jessica Bergin often uses Uber to get home after a night out in Wollongong, but she has one rule for the trip: never ride alone.
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“I’ve never had a bad experience in one but I just don’t think it’s safe to be on my own,” the 28-year-old said.
“Some of the driver’s are a bit strange and I don’t like the fact that just about anyone can become a driver.”
However, Jessica says she may well break that rule now with news the riding sharing company has added what some have dubbed a “panic button" to its app.
The move comes in the wake of recent assault allegations levelled at drivers, with Uber saying the changes were aimed at protecting both passengers and drivers.
An upgrade to the app introduces a “Safety Toolkit”, represented by a shield icon at the bottom right corner of the map that displays on the phone during a trip.
Part of the “toolkit” includes an “emergency assistance button”, which when pressed, allows the passenger or driver to quickly call 000. The app will also display the location of the car on the map, as well as a written address so the caller can tell emergency services where they are.
Another part of the update involves the option of sending real-time details of your trip to several contacts chosen in advance.
The toolkit also includes access to a “safety centre” that includes more information on driver background checks and insurance coverage.
I didn’t really think about [safety] when I first used them but then I read articles about assaults and now I tend to be more careful.
An Uber spokeswoman would not say whether the app upgrades were in response to a rise in assaults by Uber drivers in Australia and overseas but said there was “nothing more critical” than the safety of its users.
“At Uber, we are committed to being part of the solution when incidents take place, by working with safety experts and leading organisations in Australia,” a spokeswoman said.
"In addition, we are continuing to build cutting-edge technology and features to help improve safety for riders and drivers on the app.”
For Jessica and her sister Amanda, 24, the panic button is a welcome addition to a mode of transport they say is “cheaper and more convenient” than taxis.
“It’s a good move introducing this,” Amanda said.
“I didn’t really think about it [safety] when I first used them but then I read articles about assaults and now I tend to be more careful.”
