Uber vs 99: Which Ride-Hailing App is Safer?

When it comes to getting from A to B, the convenience and speed of ride-hailing apps like Uber and 99 are undeniable. However, beyond the promise of a smooth and swift journey, a crucial factor for any passenger is safety. We all want to feel secure, not just in the driver's ability behind the wheel, but also in the measures the app itself provides to protect us from any eventualities. This leads to a pertinent question: which is safer, Uber or 99? Let's delve into the details of their safety protocols to help you make an informed decision.

User Profile Verification: The First Line of Defence

Feeling comfortable with the person you're sharing your journey with is paramount. Both Uber and 99 understand this, and have implemented robust user verification processes for both drivers and passengers. Trust is built on knowing who you're travelling with, and these verification steps are the foundation of that trust.

Driver Verification

For drivers, the verification process is rigorous:

• Document Checks: Both companies meticulously verify partner drivers' CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas - a Brazilian taxpayer registry identification), CNH (Carteira Nacional de Habilitação - Brazilian driver's license), and vehicle licensing. This ensures that only legitimate and legally compliant drivers are on the platform.
• Criminal Background Checks: Periodical checks for criminal records are conducted by both Uber and 99. This is a vital step in ensuring the safety of passengers by screening out individuals with a history of serious offences.
• Facial Recognition: 99 employs its own proprietary facial recognition system. This technology helps to confirm the identity of their partner drivers, adding an extra layer of security to prevent impersonation.
• Random Identity Checks: Uber, on occasion, requests its partner drivers to submit a selfie before accepting a trip or going online. This random verification helps ensure that the person driving is indeed the registered partner, and can deter fraudulent activity.

Passenger Verification

Passengers are not left out of the verification process. Both Uber and 99 require passengers to verify their profiles, typically using their CPF and date of birth. This symmetrical verification process helps foster a sense of mutual security and accountability within the platform.

Secure Conversations: Keeping Communication Safe

Clear and safe communication between drivers and passengers is essential. Both Uber and 99 offer features to ensure that conversations within the app are secure and can be used as evidence if needed.

• In-App Call Recording: Both companies allow drivers and passengers to record conversations directly through the app. These recordings are then sent in an encrypted format, ensuring privacy while providing a record for potential disputes or investigations.
• Inappropriate Message Detection: Uber goes a step further by having a system that can detect inappropriate messages sent via the in-app chat. This proactive measure can lead to account cancellation and the termination of the ride, contributing to a safer and more respectful environment. 99 currently does not offer this specific feature.

Blocking Features: Controlling Your Ride Experience

The ability to avoid undesirable interactions is a key aspect of personal safety. Both apps offer ways to manage your ride experience, though with some differences.

Blocking Specific Users

• 99's Block Function: 99 offers a direct "block" function, allowing users to prevent future encounters with a specific driver or passenger after an unpleasant experience. This is a straightforward way to ensure you don't get paired with someone you'd rather avoid.
• Uber's Lack of Direct Block: Uber does not currently offer a direct feature to block specific users from future rides. While you can report issues, the ability to proactively avoid a particular individual is absent.

Safety for Women Passengers

Recognising the specific safety concerns of women, both platforms have introduced features designed to provide a greater sense of security:

• 99 Mulher: This feature allows female drivers to choose to only receive ride requests from female passengers.
• Uber's U-Elas: Similar to 99 Mulher, Uber's U-Elas programme enables female drivers to opt into receiving ride requests exclusively from female passengers.

These initiatives are crucial in empowering women and ensuring they have a more comfortable and secure ride-hailing experience.

User Ratings: Building a Community of Trust

The peer-review system is a cornerstone of the ride-hailing model, fostering accountability and encouraging good behaviour. Both Uber and 99 utilise a star-rating system for both drivers and passengers.

Rating System Comparison

| Feature | Uber | 99 | |-----------------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------------------| | Rating Format | Star ratings (1-5) for driver & passenger | Star ratings (1-5) for driver & passenger | | User Information | Full name displayed | Full name displayed | | Additional Passenger Info | N/A | "Frequent Passenger" status (Beginner, Occasional, Recurring) |

Information such as full names is standard on both platforms, allowing for easy identification. A unique feature of 99 is its "Frequent Passenger" status, which categorises users based on their ride frequency. While Uber doesn't have a direct equivalent, the rating system on both platforms serves to highlight reliable and trustworthy users.

Monitoring and Confidence: Real-Time Safety Measures

Beyond user verification and ratings, both Uber and 99 implement sophisticated monitoring systems to ensure passenger safety throughout the journey.

• Share Your Trip: Both platforms allow drivers and passengers to share their real-time trip details and route with trusted contacts. This means loved ones can follow your journey and know you've arrived safely.
• GPS Tracking and Anomaly Detection: Uber and 99 utilise real-time GPS tracking for all rides. If a driver deviates significantly from the planned route, makes unexpected long stops, or takes an unforeseen detour, the system can flag this. The safety team may then contact both the driver and passenger to ensure everything is alright and offer assistance if needed. This constant monitoring is a powerful deterrent against potential misconduct.
• Emergency Button: A critical safety feature present on both apps is an emergency button. When pressed, this button directly connects the user to emergency services (like the 190 police line in Brazil), providing your location and trip details to authorities, enabling a swift response in critical situations. This direct link to emergency services is a vital safety net.

Conclusion: Which is the Safer Choice?

When we look at the core safety features – user verification, trip monitoring, and emergency support – both Uber and 99 offer a satisfactory level of security. They have adopted a largely standardised approach to ensure passenger well-being.

However, there are some distinctions:

• 99's Advantages: The ability to block specific users is a significant advantage for those who value control over their interactions. The "Frequent Passenger" status, while minor, adds another layer of insight into user behaviour.
• Uber's Advantages: Uber's random selfie verification is a commendable effort to ensure driver accountability. Furthermore, its detection of inappropriate in-app messages provides a proactive approach to maintaining a respectful communication environment, which can significantly enhance a user's sense of security.

Ultimately, both Uber and 99 provide secure travel options. They complement each other in many ways, with each platform offering unique strengths that contribute to the overall safety of their users. The choice often comes down to personal preference regarding specific features and the overall user experience.

What's your take? Which ride-hailing app do you feel is more secure? Share your opinions in our community!

With information from: 99 and Uber.