It is a fact that Uber, Taxify and other Taxi e-hailing platforms have really made transportation better for Nigerians, particularly residents of Lagos and Abuja where they currently operate. Such a revolutionary idea would definitely come with its own challenges. No matter how good or brilliant an idea or concept it, some miscreants would still find one way or the other to perpetrate their atrocities.

Nigeria as a country has had her own share of security challenges in recent years. The country is generally seen to be under siege: Boko Haram, Fulani Herdsmen crisis, Kidnapping and Ritual activities. The list is endless. Recently there have been some issues of kidnapping and snatching of vehicles and alleged rape associated with Uber and Taxify drivers. These events have led to loss of lives and properties. However, we must know that these issues are not particular to the transport sector or taxi operators alone. It is a national problem.

How do we ensure our safety as commuters, businessmen and drivers?

[url]NaijaFleet.com[/url], a Taxi Fleet management company in Nigeria, outlines below some of efforts being put together by the Taxi Operating companies and what are the measure the drivers need to put in place to ensure their own safety.

Uber’s Efforts

Uber’s technology has made it possible for all trips to be tracked using GPS. While en-route, the rider is able to monitor their own trip in the app as well as share their Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) with their loved ones. This will help friends and family keep track of where they are on the trip and they can do this without even downloading the Uber app!

IN-APP HELP

The tool is designed to help riders get a prompt response to their queries in the shortest time possible. The support system can be accessed by navigating to the “Help’’ section on the menu, which helps riders and driver-partners alike to communicate their concerns they might have during a trip and get an instant response.

Taxify’s Effort

While answering questions from journalists recently, Mr Uche Okafor, the Operations Manager for Taxify Nigeria had this to say:

“Lagos is moving towards attaining the mega city status. It is such an exciting market given the evolving taxi ecosystem. Taxify believes that ride hailing has the potential to ease up a lot of transportation tension in Lagos. We have trust-building features that reveal the driver-partners photo, name, vehicle type and registration as well as each driver’s star rating is available on the Taxify app such that riders know who their driver is before getting in the car and can instantly compare the driver-partner information on the app against what is standing in front of them. Also, both driver-partner and riders have multiple support channels on Taxify.

Because digital media goes through the lifeblood of e-hailing, there is an additional feature in-app that gives riders the option to share their active trip status with friends and family, so everyone you permit can track your trip in real time. Anonymous feedback after every trip is also a security feature that allows you to rate the driver and leave comments on the quality of the ride experience. Presently, we are rolling out Taxify Cover, a unique insurance initiative by Taxify Nigeria in partnership with AIICO Insurance Plc and facilitated by AutoGenius. The cover adds an extra layer of security by providing bespoke insurance to protect Taxify users on all Taxify trips”

Driver’s personal Security measures

As a driver, you have a responsibility to be very security conscious, for yourself first and for your passengers. Below are some of the measures you need to take to ensure safety.

1. Avoid late-night driving: Most of the cases that have been reported happen at the wee hours hours of the night. As a driver, you should make is a principle never to drive too late in the midnight, especially in areas where you are not familiar with. Do not allow greed or the desire to meet up with unrealistic target make you work late in the night or overnight.

2. No “Blind” Destination: This happen sometimes when the passenger does not know the exact place he/she is going. This should not be allowed for your own safety. Always ensure that the passenger indicate the destination before you commence the trip. This will prevent you from driving to place you are not familiar with or a danger zone.

3. Keep Passengers in sight: Always adjust your rear-view mirror to keep your passengers in sight. This is to ensure that you are a breast with what is going on behind you. Use the opportunity to chat and engage with them, if possible. In case they start to make any “funny” or suspicious movements you can be heads-up.

[b]4. Check Passengers Ratings: [/b]This should be the first thing you check before accepting an incoming trip. If the rating is low, you don’t have to accept it. If previous drivers don’t like something that this passenger did, or if they just have a bad vibe about them, they’re going to give them a bad rating, and that’s a warning sign for you as the driver.

https://www.naijafleet.com/2018/03/21/uber-and-taxifys-drivers-safety-measures-in-lagos-abuja/

Thanks for this information OP.
@ Lalasticlala this should be a frontpage material

In the event where a driver goes to a location to pick up a passenger and he is robbed.... unknown to the client to be picked, the car was robbed and they had to book another one. Who is at fault?