Is Uber’s cash payment system safe?

Since the cash option was introduced as a method of payment for the Uber service, there have been a number of incidents involving drivers being accosted for the cash they carry. While Uber continues to assure both drivers and the public alike that their focus is their safety, is this enough?

What was the rationale behind including the cash facility in the Uber product?

“By offering cash as an alternative mode of payment, we are opening up Uber to a whole new community of potential first time riders who may even have a credit card, but prefer transacting in cash. One of the reasons we launched a cash payment option here in South Africa is to learn more about the usage habits of cash payments and how we can develop a solution that is completely directionless for our communities,” stated Samantha Allenberg, spokesperson for Uber Africa.

What safety precautions have Uber employed to ensure driver safety?

“All trips on Uber are GPS tracked and we know your location throughout every trip to ensure safety for both sides.

“While it is unlikely that driver-partners will be carrying a large amount of cash, they will be able to deposit cash, at any time, into various FNB ATM’s across South Africa. We have also encouraged them to do regular deposits and keep as little cash on them as possible, by using their cash to pay for fuel and supplies,” added Allenberg.

To date we have not seen any increase in targeted crime in any countries running a cash payment option, added the Uber group.

This last week however a Zimbabwean born Uber driver was shot and killed while dropping off a passenger in Philippi, and fellow drivers are attributing this to the danger that the cash payment system has introduced.

“Drivers, who fear for their safety, say they have been against the cash payment system from the beginning. They have drawn up a list of so-called “no-go areas” after a colleague, Tawanda Ndhlovu, 35, was shot dead after dropping off a customer in Philippi on Sunday last week,” reported IOL.

Drivers have further expressed their frustration as they are subsequently declining trips in areas that are deemed ‘high-risk’ especially at night, this obviously taking from their earnings.

“The driver, who is also from Zimbabwe, said his colleague was attacked because “gangsters think we have lots of money”. We don’t want these cash trips. Uber must make a plan for those (customers) who do not have bank accounts so they can be able to pay without having to use cash. Cash is a risk,” a fellow Uber driver told IOL.

Uber, however is denying any responsibility in the matter. “Drivers have been carrying cash for the longest time and there has been no evidence to show an increase in targeted crime because of cash crime is an unfortunate reality in SA and while we are doing our best to improve the safety of our platform for driver and riders, crime does happen and is a reality in SA,” explained Allenberg.

While they have committed to continuing to monitor the platform, the harsh reality remains that these drivers are being placed in a vulnerable position.

“The signup process remains the same. As always, a rider is required to input personal information, and verify their mobile number before they can create an account and request a first ride. With this personalized, standardized process, along with our advanced fraud methodology, we will continue to actively monitor suspicious activity on the platform,” Allenberg reiterated.

“Crime and violence is an unfortunate reality in South Africa but by leveraging technology, in ways not possible before, Uber has helped improve the safety of those traveling around South Africa. We are deeply committed to the safety of everyone who uses Uber and that is why we are constantly developing new technologies to ensure safety before, during, and after,” Uber reassured.

While Uber has undoubtedly taken South African streets by storm and fast become one of the well-loved services, should drivers as a result of fear refuse to do certain trips, who is the addition of the cash payment system really benefitting?

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