Uber now lets women across the US choose to ride withfemale drivers. This expands a trial that began in a few cities.The feature aims to make rides safer after years of reports of sexual assault and driver misconduct.
Women can request a female driver for a trip, set it as a preference in their account, or book one in advance. Even teens with Uber accounts can use the option.
Uber says this is part of its continuing efforts to improve safety and respond to passenger concerns.
The new 'Women Drivers' feature allows female passengers to request a ride exclusively with a female driver. If a wait is too long, riders can choose another option. Drivers themselves can also set a preference to take trips with female passengers.
Uber says these preferences can be switched off at any time.
According toPBS News, the feature had previously been trialled in cities including San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Detroit, before expanding nationwide. Uber first tested a similar option in Saudi Arabia in 2019 after women were granted the right to drive. The company now offers comparable programmes in around 40 countries, including Canada and Mexico.
Uber spokeswoman explained in court documents that the initiative responds to repeated feedback from both female riders and drivers who said they felt more comfortable and secure riding with women.
However, not all Uber drivers find it safe for their job, especially male drivers.
In California, two Uber drivers filed a class-action lawsuit saying it discriminates against men. They claim it gives female drivers access to all passengers, leaving male drivers with fewer trips, and reinforces the idea that men are more dangerous.
Drivers say the system can affect their livelihoods, especially in areas where female drivers are scarce or demand for women‑only rides is high. They argue that safety concerns should be addressed with other measures (better checks, training, monitoring) rather than gender restrictions.
Source: International Business Times UK
