In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Uber implement their “No Mask. No Ride.” policy in May. Riders, drivers, and delivery people were required to wear a mask when using or providing Uber services. Even with the policy in place, some of chosen not to abide by the policy. As a result, the company has banned more than 1,250 riders for failed compliance. Now, the company is taking further action to enforce its mask policy.

In light of the National Transportation Safety Board placing partial blame on Uber for a fatal 2018 crash, Uber has vowed to publicize more in-depth safety information regarding its self-driving vehicles.

According to Bloomberg, Uber supports the idea of transparency. The company will make a Safety Case Framework for public release. Additionally, the company plans to establish an independent Safety and Responsibility Advisory Board.

Over a year ago, Samantha Josephson unknowingly got into the wrong Uber car in Columbia, South Carolina. Fourteen hours later, the 21-year-old was found dead in a wooded area 90 miles away. To promote ride safety among college students and reduce the risk of others being harmed, Uber has partnered with The #WHATSMYNAME Foundation.

According to CNET, The #WHATSMYNAME Foundation was created by Josephson’s parents in order to raise awareness and collaborate with Uber to promote safety. The Foundation has already made significant progress in its public education efforts—which includes encouraging riders to ask drivers “what’s my name” before getting into a vehicle. It’s partnered with colleges, businesses, and municipalities all over the United States to create rideshare safety zones, which they refer to as SAMI.

On May 14, OSHA issued a short guidance document for the rideshare and car service industry. While many rideshare drivers, taxi operators, and car service workers are not covered under OSHA’s jurisdiction because of their independent contractor status, the Occupation Safety and Health Administration is asking applicable individuals to consider its suggestions as good practices.

In recent years, there has been an uptick in kidnapping and sexual assault cases involving rideshare passengers. According to an Uber report from 2019, 3,045 sexual assaults were reported that year—and that’s only the reported cases the company was made aware of. It’s likely that number is significantly higher, as some assaulted rideshare victims may not have reported their experience. Rideshare companies have implemented a number of safety measures to reduce risk, but vulnerable riders are likely to still experience some anxiety or fear.

TikTok, a free social media app that lets you watch, create, and share videos, has users who are creating fake phone calls to help rideshare passengers feel safe if they have to ride in an Uber or Lyft alone.  The TikTok videos mimic phone calls for riders to play when they get into the car. The videos are often timed to sound as if the user is on speakerphone with their friend or family member.