In its bid to ensure the safety of its partner drivers, Taxify has introduced a new feature, an SOS button, on its ride-hailing app in Nigeria. The SOS button is designed for use in the case of a medical or security emergency.
Once the driver taps the button, it triggers a distress call to the Lagos State Emergency Response Agency. This new addition is coming few days after another ride-hailing platform Uber announced the launch of a new app for its drivers.
There has been growing concern about the safety of drivers and riders using the various platforms with reported cases of sexual harassment by drivers and sometimes riders harassing the drivers. The introduction is also coming at a period where the competition in the ride-hailing space is stiff and players are heavily competing for both drivers and riders.
According to Taxify medical emergencies includes injuries from road accidents, anyone who is unconscious, having trouble breathing, or anyone who is seriously bleeding.
While examples of security emergencies include feeling unsafe while traveling into an area at night, being stranded in an unsafe location with a broken vehicle, attempted vehicle hijack or any form of violence or attack.
To activate the SOS button:
- Press and hold
- A call will go to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency LASEMA
- Depending on the case, either an ambulance or security operative will arrive on the spot
- Taxify will be also notified of the incident and will handle the case as a matter of high priority.
Taxify is an Estonian international transportation Network Company headquartered in Estonia. The company develops and operates the Taxify mobile application, which allows people to request a taxi or private driver from their smartphone. As of November 2017, Taxify operates in 20 countries and 30 cities in Europe, Africa, Middle East and Central America.
