E-Hailing Safety Features Every Woman Should Know About

As e-hailing services become an increasingly popular choice for transport in South Africa, safety remains a paramount concern for women riders and drivers alike. With reports of harassment and violence on e-hailing platforms, it is essential for women to understand the safety features offered by these apps and how to use them effectively.

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Common Safety Features on E-Hailing Apps

Most major e-hailing platforms such as Uber, Bolt, and inDrive have implemented several safety tools to protect users. Key features include:

• In-App SOS or Emergency Button: Allows users to quickly alert emergency services and share their location if they feel unsafe during a ride.
• Live Trip Tracking and Sharing: Passengers can share their real-time trip details with trusted contacts so others can monitor their journey.
• Driver and Vehicle Details: Prior to pickup, riders can view the driver’s photo, vehicle make, model, and license plate number, enabling them to confirm the correct vehicle and driver.
• Two-Way Rating System: Both drivers and passengers rate each other after every ride, helping detect and discourage inappropriate behaviour.
• Trip Audio Recording: Some apps record audio during rides (with consent), which can serve as evidence in case of disputes.
• Women-Only Ride Options: Select platforms offer female-only driver or passenger options, allowing women to request rides with only female drivers or passengers.
• Driver Background Checks: Rigorous ID verification and criminal record checks aim to ensure only trustworthy drivers are on the platform.

Tips for Using E-Hailing Safety Features Effectively

• Always verify driver and vehicle details before entering the car.
• Share your trip details with a trusted friend or family member before starting any journey.
• Use the app’s emergency button immediately if you feel threatened or unsafe.
• Opt for women-only options when available, especially for late-night rides.
• Keep your phone charged and accessible during the ride.
• Rate your driver honestly; this helps improve overall platform safety.
• Trust your instincts, if something feels off, cancel the ride and reorder.

Challenges and Calls for Improvement

Despite these features, many women report feeling unsafe due to incidents of harassment, verbal abuse, or worse while using e-hailing services. Surveys indicate that a significant number of riders do not feel fully protected by current systems.

Women drivers also face unique safety risks, including targeted harassment and violence, leading companies like Bolt to introduce self-defence and anti-hijacking training courses.

Women’s advocacy groups have called for stricter regulations, better driver vetting, and enhanced safety protocols to protect female riders and drivers comprehensively.

E-Hailing Safety Features Breakdown: What Top Apps Offer Women in South Africa

Uber

• Emergency SOS Button: Quickly connects riders to emergency services with live location sharing.
• Real-Time Trip Sharing: Allows passengers to share trip details with trusted contacts who can monitor the ride.
• Driver Profile Details: Includes driver photo, car make/model, and license plate for identification.
• Two-Way Ratings: Both driver and rider rate each other after trips, fostering accountability.
• Audio Recording: Optional in-trip audio recording for added security.
• Women-Only Rides: In select areas, female riders can request female drivers for greater comfort.

Bolt

• Panic Button: Integrated direct line to emergency responders and Bolt’s incident response team.
• Live Location Tracking: Maps and tracks trips in real time with shareable details.
• Driver Documentation Checks: Includes background checks and professional driving permits.
• Health & Safety Training: Female drivers receive self-defence and anti-hijacking training.
• In-App Communication: Text or call without revealing phone numbers, ensuring privacy.

Kgosigadi Rides (Women-Only Service)

• Female Drivers and Passengers Only: Creates a safer space for women and children.
• Partnered Safety Apps: Integrates with apps like Namola for immediate emergency help.
• Strict Verification: Robust identity checks to eliminate unsafe driver or passenger profiles.

Women’s Experiences and Safety Survey Insights

A 2025 survey by Women For Change, covering over 1,000 female e-hailing users across major South African cities, revealed:

• 85% of respondents felt safer using e-hailing apps compared to traditional taxis, citing trip tracking and driver information as key factors.
• 60% had used an in-app emergency button or shared trip details with someone on at least one occasion.
• However, 30% had encountered safety concerns such as inappropriate driver behaviour or feeling insecure during late-night rides.
• Women expressed strong support for women-only ride options and enhanced driver vetting.
• Many also recommended broader safety education and faster incident response times from platforms.

By understanding the safety tools integrated into popular e-hailing apps and learning from women’s real-world experiences, female riders can make informed decisions to enhance their security. While no system is foolproof, strategic use of these features significantly reduces risks and contributes to safer urban mobility in South Africa.

Community Efforts and Innovations

Some new platforms, such as Kgosigadi Rides, a female-owned service, focus exclusively on providing safe transport for women and children with additional verification measures and partnerships with security apps like Namola.

E-hailing companies are continually updating their apps with new safety tools in response to customer feedback and rising safety concerns.

Why Awareness Matters

Understanding and utilizing e-hailing safety features empowers women to take control of their own security during rides. Combined with broader systemic change and community vigilance, these features contribute to making e-hailing safer and more accessible for everyone.