Safer than Uber: New ride-hailing provider 'Secure Express' offers greater security

Lester Kiewit speaks to Glenn Howell, General Manager for Journey Management at Secure Express.

Secure Express is a new ride-hailing provider promising greater security for passengers.

They screen drivers who undergo a training programme that includes first-aid, advanced driving and customer service. 

It is currently offered in Johannesburg, and there are plans to launch in Cape Town soon.

Secure Express says it is more than a driver or shuttle service but also a quality security company, vetting drivers to provide a safer experience for customers.

Its drivers work on a permanent, full-time basis, follow regular hours and earn a salary, rather than working for a commission. 

The e-hailing company says safety measures are in place at every level of the journey.

The app tracks route deviation so if a driver veers off a recommended route, it is flagged in Secure Express's control room, which monitors the driver via a camera in the car.

"75% of our riders are women travelling on their own and families... so we're not trying to compete in terms of volume at all. It's for people who are conscientious about their safety and the reliability of knowing they can contact someone should something go wrong. You can call our customer care service because someone trained will be on the other side of the line to help you."

- Glenn Howell, Secure Express

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.