Uber conducts online survey to understand safety concerns

Months after a financial consultant was raped by an Uber cab driver, there have been doubts over safety of such cabs specially among women commuters.

Months after a financial consultant was raped by an Uber cab driver, there have been doubts over safety of such cabs specially among women commuters.

To understand the perception and to ascertain the general safety level of the modes of transport in Delhi, Uber, along with TNS India private limited conducted an online survey with all its past and present users.

“The purpose of this survey is to get a candid opinion from Uber cab users about its safety and also of the safety level of various other modes of public transport available in the city,” read an official e-mail from TNS India limited.

“Your proactive feedback and suggestions are very crucial for all future improvements,” the e-mail added.

The 52 question long survey - which took at least 30 minutes to fill - covered a wide aspect of issues which commuters across the Capital face every day. Uber service was compared with services like Ola, Taxi for Sure and other modes like radio cabs, auto rickshaws, buses and local trains. All the questions had multiple choices.

Though the first part of the questionnaire focused on comfort issues like timely availability of cabs, cleanliness and types of cars available, it went on to address more relevant subjects of passenger safety and employment of drivers.

There were also choice-based questions where test takers were asked to prioritise their travel choices on the basis of the level of safety offered by each service.

The survey asked questions like, “What was the most recent news item that you had watched or read about Uber?”

It then moved on to more specific questions on the rape case.

“How often have you read or watched news about a woman being raped in an Uber cab? Does that affect you choice of taking the cab service in the future?” was one of the questions asked in the survey.

Safety features introduced by Uber, post the incident were also discussed in great detail.

“Uber goes through a three-level driver verification process now and also allows the passenger to update their location with their family and friends through their new safety update feature. Does this affect your decision of taking an Uber cab in the future?” one question read.

Test takers were also offered a Rs 200 gift voucher which the company promised to be couriered at their doorstep.