Can taxis keep up? New Uber rule in Budapest aims to enhance safety
Uber has announced the launch of a new safety feature in Budapest aimed at protecting both drivers and passengers: from 21 April, the ride-hailing platform will implement a Driving Time Limit policy, capping continuous driving without rest at 12 hours.
According to Világgazdaság, the new measure is designed to reduce the risk of fatigue-related accidents, a growing concern in urban transport. While most traditional taxi companies in Budapest currently do not regulate maximum working hours, Uber’s initiative could set a new industry benchmark.
Uber extends new feature to Budapest
The Driving Time Limit will be enforced through Uber’s mobile application, which continuously tracks each driver’s active time. As a driver nears the 12-hour threshold, the app issues warning notifications encouraging them to take a break. Once the limit is reached, the system will automatically switch the driver to offline mode for six hours. After this mandatory rest, the full 12-hour driving allowance is reinstated. However, drivers are free to take a break and go offline at any time, not just when prompted.
This feature is already in use across several continents, including North America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. According to Eszter Kardos, Uber’s head of operations in Hungary, the company aims to raise the safety standards across the entire local passenger transport market.
“Safety is a top priority for Uber. Our goal is to set a new industry benchmark, but meaningful change requires cooperation with all stakeholders,” she emphasised.
A comprehensive safety toolkit
The driving limit feature is just one part of Uber’s comprehensive safety toolkit. The platform also offers real-time driver identity verification through selfies, PIN code matching to ensure passengers get into the right vehicle, and anonymous communication between riders and drivers. In emergencies, users can contact authorities directly through the Safety Toolkit feature within the app. Uber also encourages accountability through post-trip feedback and investigates any reported safety concerns, including potentially banning users or drivers from the platform if necessary.
Since returning to the Hungarian market in summer 2024, Uber has steadily expanded its presence. The company’s decision to re-enter was based partly on strong demand: over 100,000 people had opened the app in Budapest even when the service was unavailable.
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