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Uber has announced the release of their updated Community guidelines in East Africa, a document that aims to provide guidance on how drivers and riders should behave and treat each other during a trip using the app.
The release of these guidelines aims to reinforce the company’s commitment to both riders and drivers as part of an ongoing global turn-around campaign dubbed 180 days of change following recent changes within the company.
A statement from Uber read: “This is the first time Uber is publishing a policy explaining why riders can lose access to Uber. This is very important to us because when drivers use Uber they do more than simply drive: they’re sharing their own car, space and time with passengers. And while most riders show drivers respect, unfortunately this is not always the case.”
Some of the key issues covered in the Community Guidelines include safety, personal space, children using Uber, mutual respect and feedback. Uber said that these guidelines should be read and understood by everyone using the application to ensure that all parties are comfortable throughout the trip.
According to the statement from Uber, “Upon learning of an infringement Uber will contact the rider to investigate. Depending on the nature of the issue, the rider’s account may be placed on hold during the investigation. Should the concern involve a serious offense such as involving violence, sexual misconduct, harassment, discrimination, or illegal activity the account can be deactivated and authorities will be notified. Uber will provide any information the authorities require to assist them in their investigation.”
Alongside East Africa, the updated Community guidelines have also been released in South Africa, Nigeria and Ghana following a global rollout that was launched in the US. They are also available in Swahili and French. They are available as both a ‘how to’ for both riders and for drivers.
Below is a list of some of the community guidelines:
Children using Uber: Those under the age of 18 can take an Uber with adult supervision, but cannot have an Uber account themselves. Parents or guardians need to accompany children at all times. Safety first: Getting to a destination safely is a top priority. Drivers should always take a break if tired and should always stick to the speed limit, never text while driving and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Riders should always wear seatbelts and refrain from bringing alcohol or banned substances into the vehicle. Personal Space: Both riders and drivers should give each other space and should not make each other feel uncomfortable. Uber has a ‘no sex’ rule, meaning there should be no sexual contact between drivers and riders (including flirting and touching from both parties). Mutual respect: Vehicles used on the Uber app belong to the driver-partners and they take pride in keeping their vehicles in good condition for riders to be comfortable. Riders should therefore respect the vehicle they are in and should leave the vehicle in the condition in which they found it. Unruly behaviour such as damaging the vehicle is not tolerated. Using bad language is also not allowed. Being aggressive or discriminatory can also get a rider banned from using the app. Uber does not discriminate against gender or race and any rider that does not share the same sentiments is not welcome on the app.
Feedback: Giving feedback allows Uber to know what the rider is satisfied or dissatisfied about, that is why both drivers and riders should always provide feedback post a trip. Accidents, incorrect fair charge or arguments should be reported by simply tapping the help button in the app. There is a customer support team that is always ready to assist.