After three women were arrested by police in Kochi on Wednesday for allegedly thrashing and trying to undress an Uber driver, who was later hospitalised, the company has sent a message to its riders saying `Respect is Mutual'.
The message sent by email says that the drivers are doing their best to provide the customers a good ride.
The email begins by saying “In a day, thousands of our driver partners ferry riders to destinations across Kerala. Our driver partners strive to provide the best travel experience with every journey. Their efforts start from the moment you tap request in your app, and the driver starts the journey to your location, until it ends when you are dropped off at your destination.”
Along with it, the email also gives a set of rules on how to treat the driver and how to be careful while using the application.
“Treat your driver partner as you would like to be treated yourself: with respect. #MoreLove if you wish your driver a nice day when you reach your destination.”
“If you request uberPOOL, you might be matched with another rider heading in the same direction. If you try and convince your driver to not pick up other riders, it puts him or her in a difficult position—that will likely reflect in your rating—so please be respectful of the driver and other person requesting,” says some of the instructions against the backdrop of the incident.
Some locals had conducted a protest march to the police station alleging laxity in the case.
All Kerala Online Drivers Union also expressed their anguish and threatened to go on strike if the police doesn’t take proper action.
On Wednesday, three women, Angel Mary (36) and Clara Shibin 28, both hailing from Alakode in Kannur and Sheeja Afsal (30) from Pathanamthitta, attacked an Uber driver around noon near Vytila.
“The women opted for cab sharing. But then demanded to evict the passenger who was already seated. When he refused, one of the women knocked the car door loudly. Then the driver came out of the car and questioned it. One of the women beat him using hands and a stone. The other women also slapped him on his face,” Maradu police had told TNM earlier.