BusinessLive reports that Uber has launched new safety features in the wake of a recent spate of attacks on driver-partners and passengers.  Introduced after engagement with drivers, the features include Social Connect and Share My Trip.  

Uber said Social Connect would require new Uber cash customers to link their Facebook profile to their Uber account.  The company would then verify the Facebook account using factors such as number of friends and linked phone numbers to ensure fake profiles were not being used.  Social Connect will initially be limited to new sign-ups, with the potential to expand to Uber’s existing cash user base.  The Social Connect function will be rolled out across SA, while Share My Trip will be piloted in Johannesburg and Pretoria.  These new functions come on the back of a spate of incidents where drivers were intimidated and injured‚ with Uber driver Kgomotso Tiro attacked with acid earlier this month.  Last week another Uber driver was shot and killed.

• Read this report by Jan Bornman in full at BusinessLive

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