Uber safety changes follow multiple sexual assaults in Chicago, including an assault in Boystown last summer
Chicago, IL -
Ride-sharing service Uber says it's introducing a "panic button" in its ride-hailing app that allows riders to notify the police in case of an emergency.
The move comes after two Uber drivers were charged in Chicago recently with sexually assaulting passengers. One incident happened in Boystown last summer.
Uber's Midwest Regional Manager Andrew MacDonald confirmed the button to the Chicago Sun-Times, but didn't offer a firm release date.
"Best-in-class safety is an ongoing effort, and we will continue to enhance existing features and invest in smart solutions that leverage our technology," Uber spokeswoman Lauren Altmin told ChicagoPride.com. "The SOS feature introduced in Delhi is just one example of an innovative safety feature that we will roll out in additional cities and countries in the coming months. Stay tuned for updates."
Uber drivers provide about 2 million rides a month in Chicago.
The move comes after two Uber drivers were charged in Chicago recently with sexually assaulting passengers. One incident happened in Boystown last summer.
Uber's Midwest Regional Manager Andrew MacDonald confirmed the button to the Chicago Sun-Times, but didn't offer a firm release date.
"Best-in-class safety is an ongoing effort, and we will continue to enhance existing features and invest in smart solutions that leverage our technology," Uber spokeswoman Lauren Altmin told ChicagoPride.com. "The SOS feature introduced in Delhi is just one example of an innovative safety feature that we will roll out in additional cities and countries in the coming months. Stay tuned for updates."
Uber drivers provide about 2 million rides a month in Chicago.
