In a harrowing account that has resurfaced discussions about passenger safety, a woman detailed her traumatic experience with Ola Cabs to LinkedIn. This incident, which took place on December 20 around 1:30 pm, raises serious questions regarding safety protocols and accountability within ride-hailing services in India, particularly for women riders.

The Incident Unfurls

The woman’s ordeal began after the Ola car crossed the city’s toll plaza. The vehicle inexplicably slowed down, ignoring the passenger’s repeated queries about the delay. Suddenly, two men signalled the driver to pull over. Instead of questioning this request, the driver complied, pulling the vehicle to the side of the road.

Alarmed, the passenger demanded to know why the driver was obeying these strangers. To her dismay, he remained silent. The situation escalated when two additional men on motorcycles arrived, bringing the total to five individuals, including the driver.

Increasing Tensions

The driver made a cryptic statement, claiming, “Meri kist pending hai” (my instalment is due), suggesting an undisclosed financial agreement. Terrified, the passenger pleaded for the driver to continue the journey, but her appeals were unheeded. The men approached the vehicle, compelling her into taking evasive action.

Escaping the Threat

Summoning her courage, the woman opened the cab door and fled to safety. She tried to activate the SOS button on the Ola app, but it failed to function, adding another layer of frustration to her terrifying ordeal.

The aftermath set off a series of discussions about the need for stringent safety measures in ride-hailing services, especially for women passengers who might be traveling alone.

Calling for Change

The passenger insisted that Ola and its CEO, Bhavish Aggarwal, take immediate action to ensure rider safety. She emphasized that safety is not just a feature, but a fundamental responsibility that requires prioritization.

Contacted by NDTV, the woman confirmed that Ola had reached out regarding the incident. However, as of now, the investigation and follow-up actions are pending.

The Broader Implications

This incident highlights the critical need for robust safety measures in ride-hailing applications. It underscores the necessity of clear communication channels between drivers and passengers, the efficacy of safety features like the SOS button, and the importance of establishing strict accountability within the industry.

For female passengers, incidents like these bring to light the vulnerabilities they face while using ride-hailing services. They emphasize the need for enhanced safety protocols and stricter background checks for drivers to prevent such terrifying experiences.