Trips on Uber Comfort will be priced slightly above the equivalent UberX trip. However, riders will experience some of the newest cars on the Uber platform. These vehicles boast spacious interiors with ample legroom, allowing riders the opportunity to stretch comfortably during their journey.

The new “Rider Preferences” in-app feature allows riders to tailor the ride to their specific requirements, by requesting a vehicle temperature and a conversation preference. Riders will have the ability to have the vehicle temperature set to their liking before pick-up, allowing them to ensure comfortable conditions regardless of external weather conditions. In addition, riders will also be able to select conversation preferences, including opting for a silent trip.

Imran Manji, Head of East Africa at Uber said the ride-hailing company aims to reimagine how the world moves for the better.

“With the launch of Uber Comfort in Nairobi, we are providing our most discerning passengers with a modern, spacious, and personalizable method of moving around our city, while also introducing more options for drivers to access economic opportunities,” said Manji.

Uber Comfort is also available in South Africa, Ghana, and Ivory Coast. There was no comment on whether the ride preference will be rolled out to other African countries where Uber has its operations including Uganda.

The post Uber Launches a New Rider Preference, ‘Uber Comfort’ in Kenya appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

With this establishment, the ride-hailing company seeks to make its global platform emissions-free by 2040.

Dubbed Electric Boda (e-boda), Uber’s new environmentally friendly offering in Kenya will comprise of 3,000 bikes within six months or a little under a fifth of its fleet. Khaole remarked that the electric bikes come with minimal vibrations and less sound.

Meanwhile, consumers using the platform [Uber] will pay 15-20% less than they would for a typical Uber motorbike trip, and drivers will also experience a 30–35% reduction in operational costs.

According to a report by The Star, the launch comes at a time when the Kenyan government is rolling out the National Electric Mobility Plan, which focuses on creating a more green transportation system and rolling out diverse initiatives for sustainable road traffic management.

Kenya has been reported to be positioning itself as a hub to lead Africa’s shift to green transport getting more than 90% of its energy from renewable sources — prompting Uber to carry out small pilots for electric bikes with external partners.

Kenya’s President H.E. William Ruto stated that he wanted to see more than 200,000 electric motorcycles on the road, up from the current 2,000.

Motorbike transport is a significant employer in Kenya, absorbing millions of people who cannot secure formal jobs. According to the World Bank, the boda boda sector in Kenya employs over 1.5 million young people and contributes approximately KSH202 billion to the economy annually.

The future of transportation is heading towards electrification and the birth of electric vehicles [motorcycles inclusive] enhances the efficiency, safety, and convenience of transportation systems while preserving the environment.

The trend of transitioning transportation systems to electric is gaining momentum worldwide, Africa inclusive. The growth of the electric vehicles market in Africa is slow due to factors including but not limited to the lack of adequate electric charging infrastructures and associated equipment, economic conditions, technologies, and government policies, among others.

Sensing an opportunity, local firms have been setting up battery-swapping stations in major cities like Nairobi to save drivers time. On the other hand, other problems are also being tackled gradually such as improving the roads, access to internet, and cooperation with governments, to mention a few.

ALSO READ: TRANSPORTATION GRADUALLY GETTING ELECTRIC AND DIGITALIZED IN UGANDA

The post Uber Launches Africa’s First Electric Boda in Kenya appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Mr. Innocent Muhangi, the Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Driving Standards Agency (UDSA) said they are committed to improving Boda Boda drivers’ skills, training, and enhancing road safety in Uganda. “We are pleased to collaborate with Uber to provide Boda Boda drivers with the requisite training to equip them on safe driving,” he said.

Muhangi further said they are more committed than ever to playing a critical role in complementing existing public transportation infrastructure while creating more economic opportunities for Ugandans.

Motor-taxis also known as Boda Bodas play a critical role in moving people and goods across the city. This informal industry is a significant source of income for an estimated hundreds of thousands of people within Kampala and across the country, making it a priority for Uber to commit to safety initiatives and local partnerships to enhance Boda operations in the country.

UberBoda launched in 2018 in Uganda and since then they have provided earning opportunities to thousands of drivers using the platform. Through this new initiative [enhancing safety for the drivers], more Ugandans will have a chance at economic growth.

“We are proud of the investment we have made across Uganda to empower the men and women that drive with Uber. Safety is of utmost importance to us, and this is why we are collaborating with driving schools to provide training to Boda drivers on road safety, given the widespread usage of Bodas in Kampala,” said Frans Hiemstra, General Manager, SSA, Uber.

Uber’s technology is open and pro-choice, meaning the app is available to anyone needing a flexible earnings opportunity.

The post Uber Partners With Driving Schools to Enhance Safety For its Boda Drivers appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Uber Connect is a new launched feature in the Uber app that allows transportation of packages to their destination. Uber is piloting the feature to keep friends and family connected during this time of physical distancing.

The option is now available in more than 25 cities including; Kampala (Uganda).

Whether it’s a care package, a board game, or an extra roll of much-needed toilet paper, you can send it by requesting “Uber Connect” in the Uber app. It’s a cost effective same-day, no-contact delivery solution that keeps people feeling close, even when we’re apart.

The feature is launched at a time the world is battling the declared pandemic; covid-19 — the coronavirus.

Safeboda had leveraged the product delivery in this ride-hailing business in Uganda, and now Uber follows up to offer the same service for its customers. This divides the business, and not making it only one-sided.

“During this crisis, we have been working around the clock to find innovative ways to leverage our technology to assist consumers to move essential care packages while also enhancing earnings opportunities for drivers on our platform,” Aaron Tindiseega, Country Manager for Uber in Uganda said in a press statement.

How it works:

1. Well package the items to be sent in a sealed box or bag, wiping down surfaces with disinfectant. 
2. Tell your driver-partner ‘Where to?’ in your Uber app.
3. Choose Uber Connect as the ride.
4. Follow the notifications: You’ll get notifications providing instructions on how to help ensure a smooth pickup and when your driver-partner is arriving, just as you would with an UberX trip. As you see the car approach in the app, you should head outside and load your item into the car boot. 
5. Share the trip status with up to 5 people in your contact list. Unless it’s a surprise gift, one of these should be the recipient so they can easily monitor the delivery’s progress. 

The post Uber Connect is Safeboda’s Product Delivery Alternative appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Uber, Lyft, Juno and other ride sharing services allow you to simply order a ride just for you at a reasonable price without the hassle.

Unfortunately, because there are so many more vehicles on the road with the constantly increasing popularity of ride sharing services, there are even more car accidents than ever. You may even find yourself in one of these vehicles on your way to a destination and be involved in a crash that can leave you with injuries. It’s important to know what to do in the event that this happens.

Necessary Steps to Take After an Accident Involving a Ride sharing Vehicle
Sadly, it is a fact of life that accidents can and will happen, including those on the road. Even the most careful drivers can end up in a crash in spite of taking the utmost precautions behind the wheel. Many accidents are simply unavoidable.

If you happen to be in a ride sharing vehicle that gets into an accident, or in any type of car that is involved in one, there are certain steps you must take. They include the following:

1. Check on everyone involved in the accident, including yourself. The most important thing is to make sure that everyone is safe. Ask if anyone is injured and check on those who claim to have been hurt in the accident.
2. Call 911 to get the police to the scene of the accident. Even if any injuries seem to be minor, if there is damage as a result of the collision, you should summon the police so that they can make a police accident report. In addition to being able to use the police report if you end up deciding to file a personal injury claim or a claim for property damage, you should also have an ambulance arrive to bring you and other people involved in the accident to the hospital. It’s so important to get medically checked out to ensure that you are not seriously injured, and if you are, you can get the treatment that you need. In many instances, after an accident, adrenaline is surging and you may be unaware that you are in fact badly injured. Getting medical attention can also determine whether you have any unseen internal injuries that need to immediately be addressed.
3. If you are able to physically manage it, take pictures of the aftermath of the accident using the camera from your cell phone. Take many and snap a few shots of the vehicles and any noticeable damage, the road, skid marks, relevant street signs or lights, the weather conditions and anything else that relates to the car accident. Take a few shots from a variety of angles to ensure you capture everything.
4. Talk to the driver of the Uber, Lyft or other ride sharing vehicle and get their name, phone number, driver’s license number and license plate number. Do the same with other drivers involved in the accident.
5. Look around for witnesses who saw the accident as it happened. Speak with them and get their names and contact information. You can also ask them to write down their own accounts of what occurred at the time of the accident and immediately before it.
6. Contact your insurance company and explain that you have been in a ride sharing vehicle accident. Tell the representative about your condition and what steps you are planning next.
7. Write down your own account of what happened during the accident, immediately before it and afterward as well. This can be essential for your case if you file a claim as it can serve as important evidence of the facts surrounding the accident.
8. Above all else, remain calm. While this might seem difficult, if not impossible, you have to stay calm so as to not make the situation worse than it already is.

What Happens After a Ride sharing Accident Takes Place?
There is a great likelihood that you or someone you know relies on ride sharing services to get to and from various places. Since Uber broke out onto the scene, getting your own ride has been as easy as simply downloading the ride sharing service’s app on your smartphone, opening it and requesting a ride. Due to this convenience, you no longer have to stand on the street and fight for a taxi. Ride sharing services are also much more preferable to many people due to their cheaper prices as they cost a fraction of what traditional taxis charge for rides.

In the past few years, there have been more than 3 million Uber vehicles alone on the roads. As a result of this sizable number, it should come as no surprise that there have been more accidents involving ride sharing vehicles. There are certain situations you can find yourself in if you happen to be a passenger or simply a bystander when one of these vehicles gets into an accident.

It’s important to know what can happen in any scenario:

1. You are a passenger in a ride sharing accident: As a passenger involved in a ride sharing accident, you can take advantage of the ride sharing company’s USD$1 million insurance policy if you have suffered injuries. You should contact an Uber accident lawyer or Lyft accident lawyer to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
2. You are a pedestrian involved in a ride sharing accident while the driver didn’t have the app open: There are different scenarios that may apply if you are a pedestrian involved in an accident with a ride sharing vehicle. If the driver did not have the app open when the crash occurred, the only way to recover compensation would be through the driver’s own insurance coverage, but you may have to rely on your own policy if it’s insufficient.
3. You are a pedestrian in a ride sharing accident while the driver had the app open: If the driver had the ride sharing company’s app open, it means they were waiting for someone to request a ride. The company’s insurance policy applies and covers you for injuries at USD$50,000 per injury up to a maximum of USD$100,000 as well as USD$25,000 for property damage.
4. You are a pedestrian in a ride sharing accident while the driver is picking up a passenger: The USD$1 million insurance policy kicks in if you are a pedestrian in an accident with a ride sharing vehicle on the way to pick up a passenger. However, although the driver’s GPS serves as proof of their location, it’s worth consulting with a ride sharing accident lawyer to ensure your rights are protected.
5. You are a pedestrian in a ride sharing accident while the driver is transporting a passenger: If you’re a pedestrian and the accident occurs while the driver is transporting a passenger, the USD$1 million insurance policy also applies. Still, you should speak with an Uber accident lawyer or Lyft accident lawyer for your own protection.

If you have been injured in an accident involving a ride sharing vehicle, you need West Coast Trial Lawyers on your side. Contact West Coast Trial Lawyers and speak with an experienced ride sharing accident lawyer immediately to learn about the options available to you.

The post Uber/Lyft Accidents on the Rise, Crucial Information to Know appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

“In light of the emerging safety concerns affecting Boda Boda riders and drivers during night time, we’re making a proactive safety approach to turn off the UberBoda option between 11pm to 6am daily,” Uber writes in a statement.

However, the cab option (UberX) will be available. In its statement, the company said, “The UberX (cars) option will continue to be active 24/7.”

Uber says its riders and drivers safety is their priority—working to introduce features and initiatives that ensures ones safety during each Uber trip.

Killing bodaboda riders is so common, and the numbers keep growing gradually.

A mini survey conducted by Police on the killings of bodaboda riders in the last three months showed that many are killed in the dead of night, usually between midnight and 1 am, reports New Vision.

Most of these riders are killed with use of stones, knives and hammers and the target are new model Bajaj Boxers because of their resale value and parts.

With all the killings, bodaboda riders have been cautioned against working late hours so as to avoid risking their lives.

UberBoda was launched in March last year in Kampala, weeks after its competitor Bolt (formerly TaxifyBoda) launched. Kampala was the first city in Africa to see Uber launch its moto-taxi hailing trip option before headed to Nairobi in November of the same year.

The moto-taxi hailing business in Uganda is growing tough with SafeBoda still leading considering they are the sole-pioneers. However, these firms; SafeBoda, UberBoda, Bolt, Dial Jack, among others only operate in Kampala.

The post UberBoda Won’t Work Past 11pm, says company appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

According to a report by Boston Globe, Mayanja was arrested Saturday on two counts of rape. The State Police received a report about 1:15 a.m (8:15 a.m EAT). that he had allegedly attacked a woman in his vehicle, State Police said.

Now, Mayanja is being held by State Police awaiting arraignment Monday in Boston Municipal Court, Dave Procopio; Massachusetts State Police spokesman said in a statement.

Uber has since revoked Mayanja’s access to its app after the allegations became public. However, the ride-hailing company hasn’t responded to inquiry from media.

The post Ugandan Uber Driver in Boston Accused of Rape, Faces Possible Deportation appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Careem will operate under its own brand but as a subsidiary of Uber. In addition, it will retain Mudassir Sheikha as the Chief Executive, who also happens to be the Co-Founder of the 7-year app.

Uber CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi in a shared email, said “Keeping the Careem brand and operations has the advantage of letting us build new products and try new ideas across not one, but two, strong brands.”

With the two companies combined, Uber sees to dominate all of Middle East. Careem has 30 million users across 90 cities in the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan. Thus, Uber expects some good results after acquisition.

The acquisition of Careem becomes the second takeover of a Dubai unicorn after Amazon in 2017 bought eCommerce startup Souq.

CNN News reports that the United Arab Emirates is pushing to become a regional tech hub but is yet to produce a third unicorn after Souq and Careem.

Meanwhile, the acquisition is pending regulatory approval and is expected to conclude in the first quarter (Q1) of 2020.

“Until then, nothing changes. And since both companies will continue to largely operate separately after the acquisition, very little will change in either teams’ day-to-day operations post-close,” Uber said in a statement Tuesday.

The post Uber Confirms $3.1 Billion Acquisition of Careem appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The launch of app in Uganda follows launches in Kenya and South Africa earlier this year. Uganda and Tanzania are next two countries to get the extension.

Alon Lits, General Manager for Uber Sub-Saharan Africa in a press statement said, quote, “The launch of the app hopes to enhance the riders experience and help them move seamlessly minimizing any possible network issues.”

Similar to lite apps like Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Skype, — Uber Lite is designed to load faster on slower network connections, say 2G or E. In addition, it takes up less space on your phone when installed.

Question remains if the lite app while help increase the productivity rate of the company. Uber is among the ride-hailing services that users have complained a lot about poor services. The transportation firm offers ride-hailing services including; cab hailing in different sizes and moto-taxi.

Uber has leveraged the cab hailing service in Uganda with its strongest competition being blot (formerly known as Taxify). On the other hand, its moto-taxi part is struggling as the industry is dominated by Safeboda who to-date record about 8000+ riders.

Uber from numerous rumors, are said to unveil flying cars which are said might arrive in 2020.

The post Uber App Goes Lite in Uganda appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Lime
For those who live in a big city and are without their own car, they don’t necessarily want to take public transport all the time, nor do they wish to get an Uber or taxi when trying to get somewhere. Buying a bike is the next option, but storing it somewhere safe and paying for its maintenance are additional stressors which many city-dwellers don’t want to handle. Enter Lime. The transport app lets you rent electric scooters or electric bikes at points all over the city. The great thing is that once you’re finished with the bike or scooter, you either leave it at a docking station, or at a safe spot out of harm’s way. There are a few competitors for Lime over the world, but the electric factor and the bright green paint job give it an extra eye-catching appeal for those looking for a quick journey across town.

Fat Llama
The interestingly-named Fat Llama is an idea that is really taking off: borrowing, not buying. For a daily fee, you can rent anything from cameras to projectors to drones to sports equipment. These items are being rented out by everyday folk who simply wish to share their own things with those in need of them for a temporary time. Buying an expensive electrical item and only using it once or twice is a huge waste, but if you can simply rent out something and still use it for an art project or just a bit of fun, then everyone wins.

Bargo
People borrow cars, bikes, and motorcycles, so why not boats? Bargo lets people list their own boat on the site, and for any holidaymaker wanting a unique experience via a boat ride in places like Holland, Italy, Portugal, Greece, and many more countries, they can search for a vessel to their liking and rent it easily for a day or two. The sharing economy clearly knows no bounds, so it’s fantastic to see a company like Bargo take advantage of the fact that anything can be rented out to anyone, if there is a demand and the price is right. What’s more, things – whether that’s a boat or a camera – which are sitting around and not currently being used by their owner, can be made useful again and provides a great monetary incentive at the same time.

Where will the sharing economy go from here? It’s hard to tell right now, but the future will be strong for this burgeoning area of business.

The post Latest and Greatest Additions to the Sharing Economy appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.