Problem / Objective:

Assault and molestation of female passengers by drivers registered with ride-hailing platforms have led to serious passenger safety concerns and social uproar against the ride-hailing platforms. In the last few years, many cases were registered across various cities in India, on drivers taking unplanned detours and harming the passenger. 

Solution / Approach:

To step up passenger safety, the Indian ride-sharing platform Ola has rolled out a real-time AI-powered ride monitoring system called "Ola Guardian". The system uses tools to analyse anomalies in the ride such as route deviations, and unexpected mid-way stops. To enhance the monitoring system, Ola used data from previously filed FIRs. Safety triggers, which will be generated based on the time of travel, and other ride indicators, are monitored by Ola's safety response team to analyse data and offer assistance to the customer. 

Ola is also running a pilot program to prevent drivers with false identities from joining its platform. This is accomplished with the use of facial recognition technology. The drivers are asked to validate their identity by taking a selfie and sharing it with the Ola team through the app.

Impact / Implementation:

The safeguard initiatives are currently implemented, and the company is now working with the state governments to map unsafe routes into the monitoring platform. With the use of AI technologies, the company aims to make rides safer for customers and drivers.