According to Czesław Mroczek, deputy head of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, in the first quarter of 2024, there were only 11 reported assaults by drivers of companies such as Uber and Bolt, of which only two were sexual.
This is in contrast to 2023, which saw 66 crimes against passengers, including eight of a sexual nature.
The attacks occurred most commonly in Warsaw, with many women saying they had been molested or raped, typically reporting that the perpetrators were foreign-speaking drivers, Rzeczpospolita reported.
Decrease in assaults
Both the ride-hailing companies, the police, and the Warsaw prosecutor's office have worked to bring about radical improvements.
A report by the TOR Economic Advisory Team (from March this year), citing police data, shows that in 2021, a total of 23 sexual assaults took place in all taxis, while in 2022 there were 43.
The role of platforms and police
The platforms themselves, including Bolt and Uber, have introduced changes, particularly in terms of driver verification. They are now required to report in person to designated points to confirm their identity and authorization.
They must show a driving license, a certificate of no criminal record, positive medical and psychological tests, and a taxi license. Previously, the procedure was carried out digitally.
Also, the driver's ID must be in a visible place in the car, and all cars on the platform are marked.
The police have been carrying out mass, systematic inspections, particularly targeting the ride-hailing company cars.
Fewer drivers
As of June 17 this year, all drivers must have a Polish driving license, which aims to finally remove foreigners with fakes or documents from distant countries, the authenticity of which is practically impossible to verify.
App-based transportation companies estimate that since this requirement came into force, they have lost one-third of their drivers.
“We have lost 30% of drivers in Poland. This number will grow,” Michał Konowrocki from Uber Polska told Rzeczpospolita. He added that the company now wants to cooperate with taxi corporations in small towns and “recruit” Ukrainian women.
