In a distressing incident that has raised serious concerns about passenger safety in rideshare services, a Melbourne DiDi driver has been accused of committing a reprehensible act in the presence of his passengers, leaving the community and users of such services deeply unsettled.

The unsettling event unfolded early on a Sunday morning when three friends, seeking a safe ride home after a night out, were picked up from outside a King Street nightclub at around 7:15 am. The destination was Mickleham, but what should have been a routine trip turned into a nightmare for the passengers.

According to the account of 20-year-old Kayela Nasalio, who was seated in the front passenger seat and had fallen asleep, she awoke to find the driver engaging in a lewd act. 'The DiDi driver was touching himself while looking at me,' she reported to 7NEWS, expressing her shock and disgust at the behavior she witnessed. Nasalio described the act as 'absolutely disgusting,' 'terrible,' and 'wrong in so many ways,' sentiments that are undoubtedly shared by all who hear of this incident.

A DiDi rider has been arrested for allegedly performing a vile act while driving three female passengers. Credit: 7News Australia / YouTube

The horror of the situation was compounded by the fact that one of Nasalio's friends, who was awake and seated in the back, managed to capture video evidence of the alleged crime. Out of fear for their safety and concern that they might be abandoned on the roadside, she chose not to wake the others. Nasalio, reflecting on what she would have done had she been awake, said, 'I honestly would’ve kicked him out of his own car.'

Prompt action followed the report of this incident. Victorian detectives arrested the driver, who is now under questioning for his alleged misconduct. DiDi, the rideshare platform through which the driver was contracted, took immediate steps to suspend him pending an investigation. The company has since taken the decision to permanently ban the driver from its platform and has reported the incident to Safe Transport Victoria.

A DiDi spokesperson, in a statement to 7NEWS, emphasized the company's commitment to safety: 'The safety of the entire ridesharing community is always our top priority. We will also work with law enforcement, should it conduct its own investigation. The behaviour demonstrated was inappropriate, and contrary to the values and standards of the platform.'

Despite the swift response from DiDi, the incident has left a lasting impact on Nasalio, who has vowed to avoid using the service in the future. 'I’ll never be getting in a DiDi again,' she declared.

This incident brings to light the broader issue of safety in rideshare vehicles. In Victoria, there is currently no legal requirement for rideshare vehicles to be equipped with security cameras in their cabins, a measure that could potentially deter such acts and provide evidence if they do occur.

For our readers, particularly those who frequently use rideshare services, this incident is a stark reminder to remain vigilant and report any inappropriate behavior immediately. It also raises the question of what additional safety measures could be implemented to protect passengers.

We at the Seniors Discount Club urge our members to prioritize their safety and well-being. If you have experienced or are aware of similar incidents, we encourage you to share your story and thoughts on how rideshare companies can improve safety measures. Your feedback is invaluable in fostering a safer community for all.

You can watch 7News Australia's coverage below:

Credit: 7News Australia / YouTube​

Key Takeaways

• A Melbourne DiDi rideshare driver has been arrested for performing a lewd act in front of three female passengers.
• The incident was captured on video by one of the passengers, while the driver has been permanently banned from the platform and reported to Safe Transport Victoria.
• The passenger who witnessed the act was reluctant to wake up her friends during the incident for fear of being left on the side of the road.
• DiDi has suspended the driver and is working with law enforcement on the investigation, affirming that safety is their top priority and the behaviour is contrary to their values and standards.

What are your views on the current safety protocols for rideshare services? Do you think mandatory in-cab security cameras should be a standard requirement? Join the conversation below and let us know your thoughts and experiences.

 

[Luckyus]

All these ride shares should comply with all laws pertaining to passenger safety measures.

 

[GrannyJA!]

Shouldn't this bloke be in gaol? For a start, indecent exposure, secondly, if you can't have your phone in your hand, how can you possibly be allowed to drive while "pumping Percy"?

 

[richmich.4422@gmail]

I have experienced the services of 5or 6 Uber drivers. I have found them very obliging & courteous.

But, there's always a But, But, I reckon that all Uber & associated companies providing this type of service, where all drivers have to undergo all of the appropriate "Criminal" type checks, etc., before being granted a licence to perform this occupation.

No doubt, certain checks may well be performed. How intense they are, is unknown. Many an elderly or incapacitated person could well be very relient on their services & should be fully protected against any extremely unprovoked "Assaults" & guestures of any kind made towards them by law.

NOVEZAR.