inDrive warns against unofficial trips

Ride-hailing service inDrive has issued a strong warning against arranging rides outside its platform, stressing that such practices significantly undermine the safety measures it has put in place.

"These types of arrangements negate our ability to provide protection, which is why we actively communicate safety best practices and encourage the use of official booking channels," the company said.

The statement comes in the wake of the tragic death of University of Technology (UTech) student Anisa Dilworth, whose remains were discovered on a beach in Portmore, St Catherine last weekend. Her death has sparked renewed concern about passenger safety, particularly among young women and students who frequently rely on ride-hailing apps.

This is not the first time inDrive has been connected to a major criminal investigation involving one of its drivers. In 2024, schoolteacher Danielle Anglin was found dead in Salt River in Clarendon. She had last used inDrive on May 11, 2024 - just two days before she was reported missing.

Lascelles Morgan, an inDrive operator, was charged for her murder. He died in hospital, 12 days after he attempted to take his life at the Portmore Police Station.

Meanwhile, as concerns grow, inDrive says it is taking every step to bolster trust and safeguard its users. It emphasised that all safety-related reports are treated with the utmost seriousness and that its team is equipped to respond swiftly and thoroughly.

"We take all safety-related reports with the utmost seriousness. Every concern submitted through our support channels - whether related to harassment, misconduct, or inappropriate behaviour - is carefully reviewed using a combination of advanced technology and dedicated human oversight. Our response process is structured to prioritise the most urgent cases and ensure each report is thoroughly assessed on its own merits," inDrive said.

While inDrive declined to share complaint figures due to privacy and operational restrictions, it made clear that any user found violating safety policies faces serious consequences, including temporary suspension or permanent removal from the platform.

The company also assured that it works closely with law enforcement when cases escalate, offering full cooperation and complying with all legal requirements. It said such incidents are internally monitored to help identify trends and refine its safety procedures over time.