NEW DELHI: The ride-hailing major Uber on Tuesday announced a range of new technology-led safety features such as audio rear seatbelt reminder, proactively detecting trip anomalies, customer SOS integration with local police and more.

Uber also expanded customer support in the country, where Uber's 24x7 safety line will be available to riders to report any safety issues while on-trip and up to 30 minutes after the trip has ended.

"The accessibility of convenient and safe transportation options must keep up with the urban environments' increasing urbanisation. It is encouraging to see that the business is allocating resources to improve safety and support "said Ashish Kundra, the Delhi government's principal secretary.

Experts at Uber's twin support centres in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam, are on call around-the-clock and respond to 9 out of 10 incoming calls "within the first 30 seconds", it said.

Now, each time an Uber trip begins, the driver's phone will play an audio reminder to passengers to buckle up in the back, and the passengers' phones will receive a push message. Uber's RideCheck service uses technology to proactively find trip irregularities and provide assistance.

Uber has now enhanced the capabilities of its RideCheck technology to recognise when a journey departs unexpectedly before reaching the rider's intended destination.

To exchange important information with the local authorities, including a live location, Uber also established SOS connection with them. In Hyderabad, this feature is already operational, and the company is actively in contact with other big metropolises.

Sooraj Nair, Head-Safety Operations said, Uber India and South Asia, "Uber is committed to continuously investing in both technology and human intervention that improves the experience on the platform for drivers and riders." Its new Safety toolbox has been created to make it simple for riders to get any assistance they might require.

Uber also said that it has details on the various safety features offered by the company that can be accessed by pressing a button.

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