Uber introduces option for female passengers and drivers to choose each other during ride selections
In a move aimed at enhancing safety and empowering women, Uber has announced the launch of a new feature called "Women's Preferences." This feature allows women riders and drivers to be connected exclusively for their trips, marking a first for the industry.
The program, which has already seen success in around 40 countries, will first be piloted in the cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Detroit in the coming weeks. The decision to introduce the feature in these cities follows an "overwhelmingly positive" response received during testing and refinement of the program in markets like Germany and France.
Uber has stated that they have received numerous requests from women riders and drivers for this option. Women drivers will have the ability to request trips with women riders, while riders can verify their gender on the Uber app to access the new feature.
The Women's Preferences feature offers women riders multiple ways to be matched with a woman driver. Riders can reserve trips in advance with women drivers, and both riders and drivers can toggle on the women preference in their app settings to increase the chances of being matched with another woman, although it is not guaranteed.
The new feature is designed to give women more control, confidence, and flexibility when using Uber. It will be an on-demand option for riders, alongside existing options like UberXL, Uber Black, Comfort, and Wait & Save.
The introduction of the Women's Preferences feature comes amidst concerns about safety, with Uber having recorded thousands of incidents of sexual assaults over the years. The company has worked to ensure the feature is usable in different places around the world, given that most drivers are men.
Interestingly, Lyft introduced a similar option, called "Women+ Connect," in September 2023, and expanded it nationwide in February 2024. This move by Uber is part of their continued efforts to introduce measures that make traveling safer for everyone.
Uber has not yet announced a launch date for the new feature in cities beyond Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Detroit. However, the company is hopeful that this initiative will help foster a safer and more comfortable environment for women using their services.
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