TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL)-- A TCC student is nearly kidnapped after getting into a car with a man she thought was her Uber driver, leading some to wonder just how safe is the ride sharing app.
There are several things in place to protect both drivers and passengers when using the app-based taxi service Uber.
First, you have to have a legitimate credit or debit card to register for the service. This helps ensure drivers will be paid after the trip and that customers won't dodge the fares.
The app also let's you see in real time where drivers are located and how long it will take for them to pick you up. And once you've made that connection with the driver you get to find out his or her information.
An Uber driver in Tallahassee explained how the process works. "When you a request an Uber, you get the information of the driver that accepts your trip. So when you request me you get a picture of my 2014 Nissan Altima, you get a picture of me like my face and my license plate number. There's multiple ways to confirm who your driver is before you actually get to see the car itself," said Tom Villaverde.
Uber drivers say the app's cashless pay system is another safety feature.
"This is all cashless transaction so I don't have to worry about driving into an area and getting robbed because if anything knows anything about
Uber. I don't have cash on me," said Villaverde.
As part of an agreement with the city of Tallahassee Uber drivers must place an Uber decal in the corner of the car's windows.
