As part of ongoing efforts to address growing security concerns faced by ride-hailing drivers, one of Ethiopia’s leading ride-hailing companies, Ride, is gearing up to install GPS devices and SOS buttons in all its vehicles.
The move, which is a collaborative effort between Ride and the Addis Ababa Police Commission, also targets the development of software that enables real-time response capabilities. The duo signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) last week at the Commission’s headquarters.
Samrawit Fikru, CEO of Ride, says the dangers faced by drivers who risk life and property require immediate solutions. She expects the application being developed by the company to enable close engagement with law enforcement to address criminal behavior.
“Prevention and follow-up on crimes will be possible,” Samrawit told Shega.
The CEO indicated plans to install devices that allow drivers to send out SOS alerts in emergency cases while also tracking their movements via new GPS devices. She says law enforcement can automatically identify the plate number, driver, and location of an alleged criminal incident.
The term “SOS” comes from the maritime distress signal, meaning “Save Our Souls,” and typically implies that the person is in immediate danger and needs urgent help. The Ride Driver application already has an SOS feature. However, the latest initiative involves installing physical SOS buttons in the cars. Who will bear the cost of these devices has not been determined yet, and could be shared between Ride and the drivers.
“We are also considering installing cameras,” the CEO noted.
The new software will be integrated into the digital EFP system recently developed by the Ethiopian Federal Police Commission. The Ethiopian Federal Police and the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute have jointly developed the platform, which will enable citizens to easily give tips on crime.
Samrawit also noted how the devices will enable increased reporting of crimes by giving drivers the ability to notify authorities of incidents that don’t directly affect them.
“Drivers are exposed to a lot of things when roaming the city,” she stated.
According to reports from 2022, at least six individuals were murdered during car-jacking attempts on drivers working for taxi-hailing companies. The death of Habte Temesgen, an elderly father, ignited significant media attention during the period. All of the incidents involved passengers disguised as typical customers.
In the past week, during which the new safety measures were announced, Mitku Belay, a ride-hailing driver and a father of three went missing.
Precaution, emergency response, and a rehabilitation system for victims are the primary goals of the agreement. It also allows for close follow-up on crime incidents, including responses from the justice system.
While nearly 40 companies registered to provide ride-hailing services, only around a dozen are operational. Ride Alone contracts about 80,000 drivers, although most work with multiple platforms.
The Addis Ababa Police Commission has also signed MOUs with other ride-hailing platforms, such as ZayRide. Meanwhile, some companies, like Little Cab, are in discussions.
Shega has learned that the MOU involves integrating ride-hailing platforms with the Federal Police’s EFP system and that each platform is implementing customized safety measures it deems necessary.
Safety issues have only begun receiving significant attention recently. However, the concerns are not limited to drivers, as customers have also reported alarming incidents.
An alleged sexual assault by a driver on the famous Ethiopian artist, Egitu, a few months ago received significant media attention after she reported it on social media. While several anecdotal reports of such incidents make it to public attention, a comprehensive assessment of the frequency and intensity of incidents has yet to be made public.
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