In response to recent calls from joint feminist advocacy groups for safer ride-hailing services in Ethiopia, Yango introduced new and enhanced safety features for both riders and drivers.
These actions are part of Yango’s ongoing efforts to lead the way in ensuring a secure and trusted environment for all users, addressing concerns raised in recent pledges for safer transportation services.
Yango enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy for any form of sexual harassment or violence. If a complaint is made regarding misconduct, the company immediately suspends the driver from the platform while investigating the issue. Once the complaint is verified, the driver is permanently removed from service. This policy is part of Yango’s commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for passengers. “Our platform is built on trust and safety. Any form of misconduct is treated with the utmost seriousness, and we take swift action to ensure the safety of our passengers and the integrity of our service,” said Dr. Yekenalem Abebe, Country Manager of Yango in Ethiopia.
Yango has introduced several key safety features that prioritize the security of riders. One of the
standout features is the ability for riders to view the driver’s rating, based on feedback from previous passengers. Additionally, passengers can also see a photo of the driver before the ride begins. This helps ensure that passengers can confidently identify their driver and feel secure in the service. All Yango drivers are required to upload a photo of their driver's license, including both front and back, as well as a selfie with the license. This ensures that only verified drivers are allowed to accept rides.
To further improve safety, Yango provides an SOS button that offers passengers fast-track access to local authorities in the event of an emergency. Passengers can also share their ride details, including real-time location, with trusted contacts. This feature helps to ensure that someone always knows the passenger’s whereabouts, adding an extra layer of security. Additionally, Yango has incorporated a safety center within the app where passengers can access safety tips, report incidents, and learn more about the platform's safety features.
Yango is also committed to ensuring that all drivers are properly trained in safety protocols and professional conduct. The company has introduced regular training sessions to educate drivers on the importance of maintaining a safe environment for passengers. Yango is working on localizing its training materials to ensure they are relevant to the Ethiopian context.
In addition to driver training, Yango employs advanced GPS technology to monitor driver behavior, including speed and harsh driving practices such as sudden braking. If a driver violates safety guidelines, they are penalized with temporary blocks from the platform to encourage responsible driving. This technology helps to reduce the risk of accidents and ensures a smoother ride for passengers.
Yango has a responsive reporting system in place for passengers to report any safety concerns. The company’s support team is available 24/7 to handle complaints, and immediate actions are taken to address any incidents. Yango is committed to transparency and accountability, and all reports are carefully reviewed.
The leaders and representatives of feminist advocacy groups who called for the pledge expressed their gratitude to Yango for responding to their concerns and provided their insights on the issue. Megdelawit Getahun, Advocacy and Communications Manager at Article 35, emphasized the critical role of ride-hailing companies like Yango in improving women's safety in public transportation. She appreciated Yango's existing safety measures, such as route sharing and the SOS button, while advocating for a more robust approach, including a zero-tolerance policy on sexual violence.
Hana Lale, Co-founder of Merahit, also thanked Yango for its response. She stated, “To further enhance safety, a reliable reporting and complaint system should be developed in collaboration with the Land Transport Authority. This system must effectively address incidents of extortion, sexual violence, and harassment, incorporating rapid-response mechanisms for the swift resolution of reported issues.”
Meron Deribe, Advocacy Team Lead at Addis Powerhouse, for her part praised Yango’s efforts to improve passenger safety, saying, “This demonstrates a strong commitment to the well-being of passengers.” She proposed several measures to further enhance safety, including thorough background checks for drivers, the integration of emergency app features, and targeted training on harassment prevention. Meron also highlighted the need for a zero-tolerance policy against harassment, recommending that drivers accused of misconduct face immediate suspension and investigation.
Through these innovative measures and ongoing improvements, Yango Ethiopia is committed to offering a safe and reliable ride-hailing service. The company continuously strives to ensure the safety of its users by adopting new safety features, enforcing strict policies, and educating drivers. Yango is dedicated to fostering an environment where passengers can feel secure and drivers can operate with confidence.