Uber has introduced “Women Rider Preferences,” a new feature that lets women select female drivers, in a daring attempt to make rides feel safer and more comfortable. Cities like Detroit, San Francisco, and Los Angeles are hosting the premiere of the pilot feature.
Especially for women who might feel more comfortable riding with a driver of the same gender, this new option is made with comfort and safety in mind. Eligible women and nonbinary passengers can request a female driver when making a reservation with a few taps on the app.
According to Uber, this action might also encourage more women to become drivers. Women currently make up only 20% of Uber’s driver base in the United States. The company’s goal with this feature is to shift the number upwards.
The idea isn’t completely new—Uber first introduced a version of this in Saudi Arabia and later expanded it to over 40 countries. But this marks the first major rollout in the U.S.
Drivers also have the option to only accept rides from women or nonbinary riders, giving them more control over who they pick up.
While matches might take longer in some cases, the feature is optional and flexible. Riders and drivers can always switch back to the standard experience if needed.
It’s all about giving more choice, safety, and comfort—something long overdue in ride-hailing
