Green GSM, the newest entrant to the ride-hailing and taxi operation in the Philippines, has adopted a Secure-to-Safe (S2S) system, which is installed as a standard feature across its taxi fleet.
In a statement, the company said that rather than relying on a single emergency function, S2S is designed as a coordinated safety support system that combines technology, procedures, and human response.
Each vehicle is equipped with in-cabin and exterior cameras, emergency alert buttons accessible to both passengers and drivers, and monitoring functions intended to support the identification of irregular situations during a trip. When an emergency button is activated, an alert is transmitted to the operations center, triggering predefined support procedures. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve assistance from customer support teams, coordination with nearby resources, or engagement with relevant authorities in accordance with established protocols.
Importantly, the system is designed to protect everyone on board. The driver’s emergency button is positioned beneath the steering wheel for immediate access, while the passenger button is located along the rear seat side, typically near the vehicle’s B-pillar, allowing discreet use when needed. This layout reflects the principle that safety systems should serve both parties, rather than placing responsibility on one side alone.
Balancing safety and privacy
As safety technologies become more sophisticated, questions about privacy and data use grow more pressing. S2S operates within clear boundaries. Recorded data is encrypted, retained only for a limited period, and accessed only through lawful requests from competent authorities. These safeguards are essential to distinguish accountability from surveillance, ensuring that technology supports trust rather than undermines it.
For drivers, structured systems offer clarity. Clear protocols reduce ambiguity during incidents, ensuring that situations are assessed on verifiable information rather than assumptions. For passengers, a consistent support framework provides reassurance that assistance is available if needed, without altering the routine nature of everyday travel.
For drivers, the value lies in predictability. “When there’s a clear system, you know you’re not alone if something unusual happens,” shared a local Green GSM driver. “It protects us as much as it protects passengers.”
