NEW: 7 Key Takeaways From Our Latest 'Maximising Duty of Care in Ground Transport' Report

Ensuring the safety of business travellers has become more complex, with particular emphasis on “last mile” ground transport – those final kilometres in a business journey where risks can often be overlooked. Our latest report with the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) highlights critical gaps and opportunities to enhance safety. Here are seven essential takeaways:

1. Ground Transport Safety Often Lags Behind Other Travel Policies

While 85% of travel programmes have risk-related policies, only 55% consistently address ground transport. Companies should integrate last-mile safety measures into travel risk management, ensuring that policies encompass all modes of business travel, including taxis and ride-hailing services.

2. Risk Assessments Need Better Ground Transport Inclusion

Despite most travel programmes analysing corporate risk profiles, only 41% regularly include ground transport risks. ISO 31030 encourages companies to analyse risks specific to last-mile journeys, helping them better allocate resources and improve decision-making on safe transport options.

3. Safety Training Often Excludes Last-Mile Travel

Many companies provide safety training for employees; however, ground transport risks are frequently omitted. Regular, comprehensive safety sessions can inform employees of potential risks and safe travel options, making a significant difference in high-risk situations.

4. Data Gaps Challenge Real-Time Tracking and Safety Monitoring

Most companies have traveller tracking systems, but only 24% can track employees specifically in ground transport. Partnering with tech-enabled transport providers can help close this gap, providing real-time data and safety alerts for employees using last-mile services.

5. Taxis Are Viewed as the Safest Third-Party Option

Taxis are consistently rated safer than rental cars or public transport, partly due to professional licensing and inspection requirements. Travel managers can improve duty of care by recommending safe, vetted taxi services as a preferred transport method in corporate travel policies.

6. Formal Vendor Relationships Can Boost Safety and Efficiency

Travel programmes that establish formal agreements with ground transport providers enjoy both safety and efficiency gains. Nearly all travellers (94%) agree these partnerships enhance trip efficiency, and preferred vendor relationships ensure that travellers have access to safer, vetted options.

7. Safety Features Are Paramount in Vendor Selection

Safety factors like regular vehicle inspections, professional driver licences, and real-time tracking are top criteria for travel managers. These elements should be prioritised when selecting vendors, as they are vital to improving safety standards for last-mile journeys.

Your safety is our top priority

FREENOW is committed to your employees' safety. Here are some ways we help you increase your company's duty of care in ground transportation:

Driver Profile: Riders can view driver profiles, including ratings, photos, and vehicle details before starting a trip.

Live Location Sharing: Riders can share their live trip location with friends and family using external messaging apps, offering peace of mind.

Hidden Phone Numbers: Riders and drivers communicate through the app without revealing their personal phone numbers.

In-App Support: Riders can report safety issues directly within the app, allowing the support team to respond quickly.

Rating System: Both riders and drivers can rate each other, helping maintain high service standards.

"One of the reasons for choosing FREENOW (over their competition) is safety. Safety is a crucial aspect of our last mile solution. We want to make sure that our employees are safe while travelling for work. And this has been the case over the last 6 years that we are using FREENOW for Business. The relationship with the drivers and the drivers themselves make all the difference and we know that our employees are in good hands." Julien THOMAS , Managing Director/Associate at Ginini antipode

Download the full report here .