The Christmas season is one of the busiest times of the year in Jamaica, with holiday shopping, family gatherings, and celebrations filling the city streets.

 Rideshare app Uber, which became available on the island in 2022, has revealed that last December, more than 13,000 Jamaicans used Uber to get around Kingston and surrounding areas — a 55 per cent increase compared to the previous months.

The data highlights a growing reliance on mobility apps and underscores the importance of safe and reliable mobility during the busy holiday period.

“Safety is at the core of what we do at Uber, and Jamaicans trusting the app to take them around town safer during the holidays is something we do not take for granted. Since becoming available in Jamaica, we’ve rolled out a range of safety features to help Jamaicans travel with peace of mind. For this holiday season, our goal is to continue providing a safer and reliable way for everyone to get around during this joyful but busy season,” said Manuela Bedoya, Safety Communications Manager at Uber for the Central America, Caribbean and Andean region.

In addition, Uber bookings generally increase by 27 per cent in the two weeks leading up to Christmas, with the most popular destinations being: Norman Manley International Airport, Lady Musgrave Road and St Lucia Ave. This increase reflects the important role Uber plays in facilitating vacation travel.

To help users enjoy the festivities more safely, Uber recommends these safety tips:

●      Share My Trip: Share your lease with up to 5 trusted contacts so they can monitor the lease in real time. This is especially useful when you are out at night or traveling alone.

●      PIN Code Verification: Enable the PIN verification feature, which ensures you’re boarding the correct vehicle. Your lessor partner will need to enter the 4-digit code before the lease begins.

●      RideCheck: Uber’s technology will detect unusual interruptions, such as unplanned stops or unexpected route changes, and prompt you to confirm your safety.

●      Emergency 119 button: Use the in-app safety button to quickly contact local emergency services, ensuring help is just a tap away if needed.

●      Audio Recording: Enables both riders and lessor partners to record audio during a lease and include it in a safety report.

●      Don’t forget your belongings: Before ending your lease, double-check to ensure you have all your belongings with you. Always keep them within reach to avoid leaving anything behind accidentally.