Uber announces launch of Covid-19 specific features and policies

As millions of people start moving again, Uber yesterday announced the launch of several Covid-19 specific features and policies to set the highest possible safety standards for riders and drivers in Bangladesh.

These include an interactive Go Online Checklist for both riders and drivers, a mandatory mask policy for riders and drivers, pre-trip mask verification selfies for drivers, an updated post-trip feedback mechanism and a cancellation policy, says a press release.

Aimed at building a new product experience during these challenging times, the new features have been formulated to help protect everyone, every time they use Uber.

Complementing these safety features are Uber's efforts to ramp up the distribution of safety supplies, such as masks and sanitisers, worth over 5 million BDT -- free of cost -- to drivers.

Riders and drivers will see a number of new additions in the app, such as:

Go online checklists: Before a driver can go online, they'll be asked to confirm, via a new Go Online Checklist, that they've taken certain safety measures and are wearing a face mask. A similar checklist has been built for riders. Before every trip, they must confirm that they've taken precautions such as wearing a face mask and washed or sanitised their hands.

Mask verification: Before drivers are able to start accepting trips, they will be asked to take a selfie with a mask on. Uber's new technology will verify the driver is wearing a mask.

Accountability for all: New options are being added for feedback including if a rider or driver is not wearing a mask or face cover.

Updated cancellation policy: Drivers and riders can cancel trips if they don't feel safe, including if a user is not wearing a mask or face cover.

New seat limits: To allow for space between the driver and rider during an Uber ride, riders are being advised to sit in the rear seat. Only two riders will be allowed in a car other than the driver partner.

Rideshare health safety education: Working with global and local public health authorities, safety tips and recommendations are being complied that will be sent to all riders and drivers.

Announcing the new features, Ratul Ghosh, Head of East India and Bangladesh, said "Our global tech and safety product teams have been working relentlessly to build a new product experience for riders and drivers. As people start moving again, it's important we take all necessary precautions to help keep ourselves safe and to make the next trip safer for all. These new features and policies have been rolled out globally, and we will keep enhancing and revising them as needed, to ensure a safer product experience for all."