Uber Technologies Inc. has introduced a new set of safety and service updates that will connect U.S. riders directly to 911 and add several features designed to improve transparency and user protection. When riders face an emergency, they will be able to tap a 911 assistance option that links them to emergency services and shares their live location with a help center. The app will also include a dedicated safety center detailing driver screening procedures, insurance coverage and community guidelines.
Riders can designate up to five trusted contacts—friends or family—to receive trip details for every ride. These trusted contacts will be able to see trip status and live location while the trip is in progress. Uber plans to roll out these features this summer.
These updates arrive as the company addresses concerns raised in a class-action lawsuit over driver vetting and a series of sexual harassment incidents. Current CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has prioritized restoring trust in the brand and resolving issues that surfaced during the tenure of the former CEO.
Improvements to driver screening include mandatory annual background checks and systems that trigger automatic notifications if a driver is convicted of a crime. These measures aim to strengthen rider safety and increase accountability in the driver community.
In addition to safety upgrades, Uber is expanding its service offerings to move toward a broader transportation platform. New options under consideration include car-sharing and integrated train ticket purchases, reflecting the company’s goal to offer multiple transit choices within a single app.
Together, these changes emphasize a twofold strategy: enhance rider security through clearer safety features and documentation, and broaden mobility options to make the app a more comprehensive transportation solution. By combining direct emergency access, trusted-contact sharing, improved vetting procedures and expanded services, Uber aims to deliver safer, more convenient trips while rebuilding user confidence.