Uber Canada's Commitment to Safety

Safety features at Uber are built into every stage of a trip. From the moment someone signs up to drive, to real-time support during a trip, to post-trip reporting and enforcement, Uber Canada’s approach to safety is layered, continuous, and technology-enabled.

This system brings together upfront screening and identity verification, in-app safety tools and real-time monitoring, and clear standards backed by accountability. Together, these safeguards are designed to help prevent issues before they happen, provide support in the moment, and enable action when needed.

Below is an overview of how Uber operationalizes safety across the platform in Canada—before, during, and after every trip. A full list of safety features in Canada can be found here.

Safety Before the Trip: Screening, Identity, and Standards

Safety starts before the first trip begins. Uber’s upfront safeguards focus on screening drivers, verifying identities, and setting clear expectations about safe and respectful behaviour by riders and drivers.

All drivers in Canada undergo screening before accessing the platform, including criminal record and driving history checks, with re-screening conducted annually. Drivers are also periodically asked to complete real-time identity verification through selfie checks, which are matched against their on-file identification.

Uber’s Community Guidelines set clear expectations for respectful behaviour for everyone who uses the platform. These standards apply to all interactions and are backed by enforcement measures, which can include loss of access to the Uber app. Uber also maintains a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and racism.

It is against Canadian law and Uber’s policy for drivers to refuse to transport riders with service animals. To reinforce this, Uber provides a mandatory information video for drivers to raise more awareness about their legal obligations, and offers a self-identification option for riders with service animals to foster clearer communication between drivers and riders. 

Uber also offers account options designed to support different rider needs. Features such as Teen Accounts include automatic safety features like PIN verification and real-time trip tracking for parents and guardians, while Senior Accounts offer a more streamlined, accessible app experience.

Together, these measures are designed to help ensure that every trip begins with verified identities, clear standards, and the right safeguards in place.

Safety During the Trip: Real-Time Tools and Monitoring

During a trip, Uber’s technology helps riders and drivers stay connected, informed, and supported through a range of in-app tools and real-time monitoring features.

The in-app Safety Toolkit provides quick access to key features, including the ability to share trip details with a trusted contact and to contact emergency services directly through the app, with relevant trip information available to share. Riders can also set Safety Preferences to automatically enable certain features based on time or location.

All trips are tracked by GPS from start to finish. Tools like RideCheck use GPS and sensor data to help detect unexpected stops or route deviations, prompting in-app check-ins when needed.

Additional safeguards help confirm trip accuracy and protect personal information. PIN verification helps ensure riders enter the correct vehicle, while phone number anonymization allows riders and drivers to communicate without sharing personal contact details.

Optional features provide additional layers of control and transparency. Riders can choose to use encrypted audio recording during a trip, and are notified if a driver has audio/video recording turned on or has registered a dashcam. The app also includes seat belt reminders at the start of trips.

These tools are designed to provide transparency, enable timely action, and help detect potential issues in real time.

Safety After the Trip: Reporting, Support, and Accountability

After a trip ends, Uber’s safety system focuses on accountability and support.

Riders and drivers can access 24/7 support teams trained to respond to safety-related issues directly through the app. The two-way ratings system allows both parties to provide feedback, and consistently low ratings may result in loss of access to the platform.

Users are encouraged to report incidents, including discrimination or misconduct, directly in the app, and reports are reviewed with appropriate enforcement action taken where necessary.

To further protect privacy, precise pickup and drop-off locations are not displayed in the driver’s trip history after a trip is completed.

Uber also works with law enforcement through a dedicated public safety team and secure data-sharing processes to support investigations when required.

A System Designed to Work Together

Safety at Uber is not a single feature. It is a system of safeguards designed to work together across every stage of a trip. By combining prevention, real-time support, and accountability, Uber continues to evolve its approach to help keep riders and drivers safe.

Uber remains committed to strengthening these systems, using technology, feedback, and collaboration to help make every trip safer.