inDrive to take action against driver amid confrontation with female passenger

Ride-sharing company inDrive is to take action against a driver who was reported to the international platform after he threatened a female passenger following a dispute about extra money for a ride in Kingston on Tuesday.

The passenger, whose name is being withheld, also reported the matter to the police.

“These drivers are getting out of hand. This time I had to report him because he messaged my phone from both his number on the app and another number… I have all the screenshots to prove it and shared same with inDrive and the police,” the woman said.

The Gleaner was informed that the dispute stemmed from the woman cancelling the ride after the driver demanded extra on the initial $500 fare.

“I scheduled the ride and when it said he arrived, I went downstairs immediately to the white Honda Shuttle car. When I reached inside the car, with an attitude, he said I had him waiting for 10 minutes and it ago cost me extra. I said ok, how much is the extra and he refused to answer,” the passenger said.

The Gleaner gathered that the driver left the starting location, and within seconds of reaching a stoplight, the woman again asked about the “increase”.

“I cancelled the ride and got out the car at the stoplight and then he began screaming at me telling me all sort of colourful words,” the woman told The Gleaner.

That was not the end of it as the driver went back into the app and removed the passenger’s number, which is against company policy.

The Gleaner was shown messages sent from a number associated with the driver and another telephone number to the passenger's phone.

“Go buy a car b%$@h... The group know yuh now and yuh picture in deh so thread light when yaa go book ride suck h@@&,” two of the messages read.

inDrive apologised to the passenger saying, “The complaint has been reported against the driver. Our team will review the details and take action as per the company’s policy… we would like to extend our sincerest apologies for any inconvenience you may have experienced.”

In Jamaica, using an electronic device to send a threatening or menacing message is an offence under the Cybercrimes Act.

- Andre Williams

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