Update October 2022: Following the announcement of masks or face coverings no longer required on ridesharing apps, Uber has updated its COVID safety policies. Masks are no longer required on Uber, and the front seat is back in use.

As excitement builds to end this socially distanced year, we know that many Kiwis are looking forward to heading to their favourite bars and clubs to celebrate.

While we all deserve to have a drink and get together this year more than ever, it’s important to keep safe, be responsible and look out for one another. With the festive season set to be our busiest time this year, we’re sharing our top tips for riding safely this summer. 

Tip 1: Find a safe pickup or drop off zone 

Try to locate somewhere safe for your pickup or drop off and keep an eye out for oncoming traffic, cyclists, motorbikes and other pedestrians. You can use the anonymised messaging and calling feature in the app to communicate with your driver to ensure the pick up is in a safe and legitimate area. 

Tip 2: Make sure you check your ride 

Make sure you’ve got the right car before approaching. When you’ve requested the trip and your driver is nearby, our Check Your Ride notification will prompt you to make sure you’ve matched the license plate, car make and model, and the driver’s photo in the app. 

You can also verify your ride by turning on the PIN code feature in your app settings. This can be switched on at any time and once enabled, will provide a four digit PIN code while your driver is en-route to the pickup location. Once your driver arrives, you can share this code with them to start the trip.

To add a bit more colour to your night out, if you’re in a crowded area, you can also use the Spotlight feature to help your driver find you. Click on the little circle in the bottom right of your app to light up your phone and your driver’s phone will light up with the same colour.

Tip 3: Wear a mask and sanitise your hands

While we are fortunate to currently be in a good place with COVID19 cases in New Zealand, we should all strive to keep it that way. Before every trip, we ask riders to confirm that they have taken precautions like washing or sanitising their hands or wearing a face cover. 

While on your trip, we recommend sticking to the maximum three riders per UberX rule, sitting in the back seat and opening the windows for ventilation. You can also share feedback on your driver, and let us know whether they followed the safety standards. 

Tip 4: For extra peace of mind, use our safety features

We want every trip to be convenient, affordable but most of all safe. Our in app safety features are designed to support you and with a quick tap of a button. To share your location with a friend or family member, simply click on the Share My Trip function so they can follow your journey in real time. 

In the unlikely event of an emergency or an accident during your trip, you can contact emergency services through the Emergency Assistance button in the app. You can let the operator know exactly where you are by sharing the details on your app screen. Our customer support team is available 24/7 and there to help when you need it. Simply tap ‘Help’ in the app or visit help.uber.com. 

Tip 5: Ride respectfully

If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s the power of community. We all belong to different sub communities within a broader network, and it’s important that our respect for one another doesn’t waver as normal life resumes. 

Make sure you treat your driver and other riders with respect and look out for one other. While it’s okay to have fun on your trip, this means being respectful of the driver’s vehicle, refraining from bringing open alcohol bottles on your ride and ensuring you and your mates never verbally insult or get aggressive with your driver. Our Community Guidelines are there to outline what behaviour isn’t appropriate and we work to take action to hold both riders and driver partners accountable for their behaviour.

We appreciate your efforts in being mindful of these tips and your patience in our busiest season of the year. Remember you can also do your part to help keep the Uber community safe, respectful and enjoyable for everyone by rating and sharing feedback after your trip.