Uber rolls out encrypted trip video recording for drivers to resolve disputes: What changes for riders?

Uber has introduced an encrypted trip video-recording feature for drivers to help resolve disputes, alongside new safety measures and additional earning opportunities for its nearly 20 lakh driver partners in India.

Uber India and South Asia Director for Supply Operations Aditya Kapoor said the recordings would remain inaccessible to the company, drivers and riders, with law enforcement agencies able to obtain them by formally approaching Uber.

"To make it safer, we have rolled out a record of my trip feature for the driver. Neither Uber, the driver, nor the rider can access those recordings.


"If there is an incident where a local enforcement agency (LEA) wants the copy of the recording, then only they can retrieve that recording by writing to us. This is just done so that drivers get more confidence. If something happens on the trip, we are able to put a completely unbiased opinion when the LEAs are looking at it," he said.

Riders will have the option to opt for video recording through the Uber app. Other safety measures include allowing drivers to flag inappropriate messages and cancel trips without incurring any cost. Drivers will also get access to emergency ambulance services.

Uber expands safety measures and driver support

The video-recording feature is part of a broader push by the ride-hailing company to improve driver safety and simplify their experience on the platform.

Uber has also revamped its driver app to make it easier to use and introduced an 'earn first, pay later' option. The company already offers driver passes, Kapoor said.

"We have made the platform easier for the drivers, a lot more safer for the drivers and also providing them more opportunities to earn more. For ease in earning, we have launched earn first, pay later. Those passes are already there in the market. Then we have revamped our driver app to make it simple," he said.

Intercity bike rides, parcel deliveries to boost earnings

Uber is expanding earning avenues for drivers by extending bike rides to intercity travel in select locations and enabling them to deliver business and personal parcels. Other options include earning extra money by allowing pets in their cars.

The intercity bike service is intended to offer riders an alternative for shorter journeys between cities while giving drivers additional business opportunities.

"We have just rolled this intercity Uber Bike in a few geographies right now. We are trying to address a simple use case.

"A person trying to move from let's say Delhi to Meerut or Delhi to Agra, can probably go via a bike if he chooses to. We thought that this could be a good feature for both the drivers and the riders," Kapoor said.

He added that distance restrictions apply to intercity rides, with limits varying by location.

"Most of the services are live in select geographies and will be rolled out across India very soon," Kapoor said.

(With inputs from PTI)