FILE - In this photo illustration, the Uber logo is seen displayed on a smartphone screen with a car in the background. (Photo Illustration by Thiago Prudencio/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) Uber on Tuesday rolled out a revamped in-app safety toolkit featuring live help from a safety agent and an expanded ability to text 911.When users need support for a situation that doesn't "require police, fire, or medical assistance," they can now connect with a live ADT safety agent via phone or text message, Uber said in a post on its website.
The ride-share company said the feature is meant to "give users additional peace of mind knowing that help is available right in the app for any safety situation."UBER POSTS STRONGER OPERATING INCOME AS QUARTERLY REVENUE DOUBLESThe agent will be able to stay in touch with the user who requested assistance, monitor their trip and reach out to 911 with information such as the vehicle's license plate number and GPS location on the person's behalf.
The option for the ADT agent to reach out to 911 is, however, unavailable in Milwaukee due to local ordinance requirements, Uber noted in the post.Uber also expanded the option to text 911 to nearly 60% of the U.S., including New York City and all of California.