TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Ride-hailing giants beef up safety features to maintain trust
Change Size
Dozens of app-based 'ojek' (motorcycle taxi) drivers wait for customers near Palmerah Station in West Jakarta. (JP/Wendra Ajistyatama)
A
s part of efforts to win consumer trust, ride-hailing archrivals Go-Jek and Grab flex their investments to reduce fraud and improve safety for both drivers and passengers.
Following recent media reports of the alleged rape of a masseuse under Go-Massage by her customer, Go-Jek has announced that its latest app update will provide three new safety features for drivers and passengers.
Go-Jek global head of transport Raditya Wibowo said in Jakarta recently that the new features, which can be accessed by clicking a tiny shield icon on the bottom right of the app, were a safety handbook, a 24/7 emergency hotline and a share trip option.
The hotline, which is limited to Greater Jakarta, asks callers to verify their identity before dispatching a private security team, whereas the share trip option allows passengers to share a live-feed of their GPS location to trusted contacts.
“For victims, we meet up with them, process their cases, provide psychiatric and psychological support and even help them bring cases to a court of law,” said Go-Jek chief of corporate affairs Nila Marita.
Rival company Grab Indonesia launched similar safety features five months ago when the brand came under fire after mishandling a sexual harassment allegation.
Grab not only offers an emergency hotline and share trip option, but also makes drivers undergo a face-recognition lock before accepting a ride. The company heavily invests in safety, particularly driven by co-founder Tan Hooi Ling.
