In a proactive response to security issues of driver-partners, Taxify has taken a safety initiative to include a SOS button that send real time emergency alerts to the Lagos State Emergency Response Agency. This new safety feature has been integrated into the Taxify driver app.
The SOS button which works by sending a distress call to the Lagos State Emergency Response Agency has been introduced to rapidly respond to driver-partners who find themselves in harmful and life-threatening situations.
The integration of the SOS button comes on the back of Taxify’s plan to further utilize technology to keep drivers’ safe on the roads.
Uche Okafor, Operations Manager, in statement said the introduction of the safety feature comes at a critical time for the driver-partner company, where the competition in the ride-hailing space is stiff and players are heavily competing for both drivers and riders.
“Over the last few years we’ve led the way with technology-based safety features such as GPS tracking of every trip and our two-way rating system.
“We recognize that we can utilize our technology even further and now that we have integrated the SOS button into the Taxify driver app, we look forward to applying this additional layer of safety to further strengthen driver safety while on the platform,” Okafor stated.
Saheed Olamilekan, a Taxify driver-partner, in a testimonial said, driving at night is most profitable but tricky for driver-partners because of the security risks associated with driving at night, as such the SOS feature is going to help put the minds at rest knowing fully well that there is someone that can come to their aid.
“I relocated from my hometown because my Uncle was starting this business and needed someone to drive his car. We all know the problems with driving in the country, especially in the night time.
“Whatever mishaps lie ahead, I can now be rest assured that this new feature would be there for my safety. Now I can make even more money for myself and my Uncle driving at night,” said Olamilekan.
Taxify was founded by Markus Villig in 2013. It’s one of the fastest-growing ride-sharing platforms in the world, focusing on Europe and Africa.
