New Year eve: Ola, Uber train drivers to deal with drunk and women passengers

Ahead of the new year, ride-hailing companies Ola and Uber are taking measures to train drivers on how they need to behave with riders.

Uber would organise classes for its drivers that includes showing short video messages teaching them on how to deal with drunk passengers, as well as women traveling alone.

“Safety is a two-way street, especially when two people are sharing a ride. And, while no means of transportation is 100 percent free of accidents and incidents, we’re encouraging our driver partners to help keep the roads safe for everyone,” said Uber spokesperson.

Ola too will take similar measures. According to sources, a recorded message from senior police officers would be sent to the drivers on how they need to behave with riders. Also, they are sensitised on how they need to deal with situations where the rider might be causing the problem.

The drivers will also get a recorded message from the Gurgaon Police ‘advising’ them on how to behave with riders.

Besides, it has joined hands with Mission Smart Ride (MSR), to eliminate instances of driving under the influence of alcohol. The campaign will see Ola dishing out discounts at scores of city pubs and bars. Ola has partnered with 542 pubs and bars to create awareness about safe commuting and responsible drinking, focus being in areas such as Kukatpally, Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills.As a part of the move, the Ola app has been integrated with the Smart Waiter App.

Founded in 2011 by IIT Bombay alumni Bhavish Aggarwal and Ankit Bhati, the ride-hailing firm currently has a presence in around 110 cities in India. Apart from cab-hailing services, it offers India-centric categories like auto-rickshaws and bikes as well as vehicles equipped with the world’s only connected car platform for ridesharing, Ola Play.

According to regulatory documents, Ola posted revenue of Rs 758.23 crore in 2015-16, compared with Rs103.8 crore in the year-ago period. Losses nearly tripled to Rs 2,313.7 crore from Rs796 crore in the same period.

San Francisco-headquartered Uber is also leaving no-stone-unturned in trying to capture the Indian market.