Uber Kenya has introduced a new in-app contact system that precludes riders and drivers from having to share their phone number with one another when they need to get in touch. Under the new changes, users’ phone numbers will be anonymised, meaning drivers will no longer be able to see a passenger’s contact details, and vice versa.
Uber, which has over 5000 drivers and nearly 400,000 riders making use of its app in Kenya, said the changes are meant to bolster confidence and security for its users.
The new system includes an integrated messaging service within the app itself. This will prevent users getting SMS or messages through other applications, without context and information on where the message is originating from.
“The benefit of using our in-app support is two-fold. Riders have access to 24/7 support in the event that they need assistance (no more calling a driver that cannot be reached due to the driver being on the road). Secondly, this change has the added benefit of keeping a formal track record of communication. Uber will have a record of correspondence to assist with a request, for example, in the event of a rider having left an item in a vehicle,” Noted Loic Amado, Uber in East Africa General Manager was quoted by a local newspaper.
The new feature has been in use in USA, South Africa and some emerging markets.
