In response to September's "Traffic Safety Month", Uber and Uber Eats announced today (9/9) the official launch ofUber Senior Account, and announced new safety features and a road safety education partnership for 2025. This not only aligns with the Taiwan Ministry of Transportation's core message of "humanistic transportation and a culture of stopping and yielding," but also extends its safety commitment to all age groups, helping seniors overcome digital barriers and creating a friendly and safe travel environment.
Minister of Transportation Chen Shih-kai, in his speech, emphasized that traffic safety must become a national habit. Only by promoting a "stop-and-yield culture" through the concept of "vehicles slow down, look, and stop, pedestrians walk safely" can we truly implement a people-oriented transportation system. Uber and Uber Eats' long-term and active commitment to the industry-government partnership exemplifies the government's aspirations.
Margarita Peker, general manager of Uber Taiwan, said that following the previous launch of the "Uber Youth Edition" in Taiwan, it has been extended to the elderly group again, introducing the "Uber Senior Account" and "Simple Display Mode" that have been available in the US market, so that the elderly can also easily call a ride.
Family account managers can also help seniors book trips, pay for expenses, and track trips and contact drivers through built-in safety features. The "Simple Display Mode" uses larger fonts and icons and simplifies the interface to reduce user barriers for seniors.
Uber also announced a partnership with the Hongdao Elderly Welfare Foundation, offering over one million yuan in ride discounts to support seniors' participation in social activities. Hongdao Foundation Director Zhan Huosheng noted that Taiwan is poised to enter a super-aged society, and convenient and safe transportation will be crucial for seniors' social participation. This partnership is undoubtedly a significant step forward.
In terms of safety technology, Uber and Uber Eats will be rolling out new features by the end of the year. For example, the "Female Passenger Preference Settings" for professional drivers will prioritize female passengers, enhancing their peace of mind. The "Mobile Dash Recording" feature allows drivers to record their front-facing camera if they encounter concerns during a trip. Once an incident report is submitted and the driver agrees, it can be decrypted and reviewed by the safety team, providing added protection for both parties.
Uber Eats is prioritizing the safety of its delivery partners. In addition to its larger capacity and improved insulation, the new insulated bags also feature increased reflective areas for enhanced visibility. Uber Eats also offers high-visibility clothing and accessories to help deliver drivers stay safer at night or in the rain.
Notably, Uber Eats' "Safe Ride Rewards Program," piloted in New Taipei City in 2024, showed that nearly XNUMX% of delivery partners reported a significant increase in safety awareness. This year, the program will be expanded nationwide, and for the first time, a global partnership with Honda will be launched, offering an online "Motorcycle Simulator Training" course exclusively for delivery drivers to enhance their ability to respond to real-world traffic.
At the same time, Uber Eats will continue to collaborate with academia and launch the "2025 Motorcycle Safety Online Video Course" in partnership with Chung Hua University. The course covers topics such as intersection management, vision management, and speed control, and includes accident video analysis, allowing delivery drivers to learn how to reduce risks in real-life situations.
