BILLINGS – Uber is a well-known app for travelers worldwide, including in Montana, looking for a quick ride.
But with news of an Uber pickup gone wrong resulting in the murder of a University of South Carolina student, many riders are concerned about the safety of the service.
Within the app, Uber includes safety tips under “Share my trip,” which riders can set up with trusted contact to let them share their trip in real time.
Some of the tips:
- Wait for your UBER inside
- Sit in the back seat
- Tell a friend where you are going and who you’re with
- Map your own route
- Do not share any personal information with your driver
The ride-sharing service has been making headlines since 21-year-old Samantha Josephson, a University of South Carolina Senior was seen early Friday morning after a night out with friends.
She went missing after getting into a car she thought was her Uber. Police say she was found by hunters later that day more than 65 miles away in a remote wooded area.
Uber expanded into Montana in 2016. It has service in Billings, Bozeman, Missoula, Helena, Butte and Great Falls.
Billings police said Monday that no incidents have been reported with Uber in town.
According to uberestimate.com, Uber runs in 677 different locations worldwide.
According to Uber, all drivers are required to complete a screening before becoming a driver.
On every ride, there is a button for safety tools including an emergency assistance button allowing you to call 9-11 giving your location and trip details to the emergency dispatcher.
Reporting by Zoe Zandora for MTN News
