Uber Adds New Feature

Uber app updates with new safety features like 'trusted contacts,' 911 button

IMAGE: UBER

BY SASHA LEKACH

Uber keeps updating its app and adding features this week. Its latest announcement Thursday is all about safety.


Now within the ride-hailing app riders can pick up to five people to list as "Trusted Contacts." For every ride those selected friends and family can be notified about your trip — or you can set it to send your travel information only for night rides.

A new 911 button on the app will connect you to police in case of emergency. Once clicked the button will show your real-time location to emergency operators. A driver version of the emergency button is coming soon.

Another addition to the app: A new "Safety Center" will be a place on the app to see everything about Uber policies and safety information.


IMAGE: UBER

Outside the app, Uber is changing its background check process for its drivers. Criminal and driving background checks were formerly reviewed when a driver started, but those checks weren't run again (except for certain jurisdictions). Now Uber will conduct checks every year — and everywhere, no matter what.

As part of increased background checks, Uber is setting up a system that flags any new criminal offenses through data sources.

A Lyft spokesperson confirmed that the competitor ride-hailing app has been running annual background check-ups for several years.

And finally, former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson — he served during Obama's second term — will chair Uber's Safety Advisory Board.