Uber now allows women passengers in the US to be matched with female drivers

Six years ago, Uber launched a groundbreaking feature in Saudi Arabia allowing women drivers to connect with female riders through their ride-hailing app. This “women preferences” feature has since expanded to 40 countries worldwide, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, India, and Mexico.

Expanding to the United States, Uber announced the upcoming pilot of this feature in Detroit, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Women using the app will have the option to select a preference for a female driver, increasing their likelihood of matching with one. If a female rider requests a trip, they will see the “women drivers” option, with the ability to opt for another ride if the wait is too long.

Enhancing safety has been a priority for ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft, who have faced challenges in attracting a diverse user base. Reports of sexual assaults and fatal attacks have raised concerns, leading Uber to implement features such as verified rider badges and the option to record rides. Despite these challenges, both companies have seen a decrease in sexual assault incidents since 2017.

In an effort to attract more female drivers, Uber and Lyft have been exploring ways to empower both riders and drivers. With Uber leading the way in launching the women preferences feature globally, Lyft was the first to introduce a women-matching feature in the United States, their primary market. By giving users more control over their preferences, these features aim to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all users.