Ride-hailing company Uber has launched a new button in their app. The button lets drivers or passengers who feel discriminated against to launch a formal complaint against the offender.
Two weeks ago, drag queen Jennifer Hopelezz called an Uber. But, upon arrival it left her at the curb. Just two weeks earlier, Uber signed an anti-discrimination declaration in Amsterdam.
“I feel angry, hurt and humiliated,” said Jennifer Hopelezz in a video after the incident.
What Have Uber Done to Fix the Problem?
From today, a new button will be visible in the popular app under the complaints section. While previously people could report discrimination through general complaint sections, the new button draws attention to the issue.
Both drivers and passengers can use the button and if it is a particularly serious complaint a report can be made by email, chat, or telephone.
“You can get a warning, for example, or even be denied access to the app,” said a spokesperson to Nos.nl
Why is this so important?
According to Jennifer Hopelezz, who is also an Ambassador for this weeks Pride Amsterdam, taxi drivers refusing LGBT’s is not an irregular occurrence.
Jennifer Hopelezz’s alter-ego Richard Keldoulis was also banned from a taxi in August last year.
Uber says that the discrimination button may be rolled out worldwide. We think ‘well-done’ to Amsterdam for showing everyone needs to be safe!
Have you ever experienced discrimination in an Uber or similar app? What did you do? Let us know in the comments below!
Feature Image: quotecatalog.com on Flickr
