Uber rolls out new features in Pittsburgh that allow riders to report issues mid-trip

PITTSBURGH — Uber is trying to make your rides more comfortable and safe with new features rolled out here in Pittsburgh this week.

The changes include “on-trip reporting,” which lets you discreetly alert the company about non-emergency incidents like inappropriate conversations or reckless driving.

Channel 11’s Christine D’Antonio was looking into these changes when she came across Becky Calinski who just flew in to Pittsburgh for business and experienced them firsthand when she ordered a ride to pick her up at the airport and bring her to the Strip District.

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“The little window popped up. It says, ‘Tap here to see our new safety features,’” she said.

Uber says the intent of the new on-trip reporting feature is to give Calinski and all other riders in the United States and Canada the opportunity to discreetly report a non-emergency safety issue right then and there.

“Share my trip, report a safety issue and even call 911. Assuming that’s if you need to be discreet about it, so I thought it was pretty cool,” Calinski said.

According to Uber, riders may not report experiences that make them uncomfortable or nervous if they have to wait until after the trip is finished. The ride-share company says on-trip reporting can be used for complaints ranging from bad driving to inappropriate remarks.

Calinski said she’s experienced that with an Uber driver.

“One was very extreme with their political views. I’m talking very far out,” she said.

Channel 11 hopped on board Calinksi’s Uber ride and asked him about the new feature.

“It’s a good idea. The customer has to be safe,” he said.

Click here to view Uber’s “how to” video for the new features.

Mike Hoffner is another Uber driver who thinks the safety feature is a good idea.

“I’ve definitely heard stories about people doing inappropriate things, taking people who are maybe intoxicated into their apartment,” Hoffner said.

The rollout of Uber’s safety feature comes after the release of its U.S. safety report last year that detailed over 3,000 sexual assaults.

Uber says the feature eliminates a barrier to report safety issues and is part of a continued effort on the company’s part to make every ride a safe one.

As for drivers, the company has launched new Greenlight Locations that for in-person support. Click here to learn more.

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