Uber has officially rolled out its Uber Women Preferences feature in select U.S. cities, allowing women riders to request female drivers. The pilot program, now live in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Detroit, is designed to address longstanding safety concerns while giving women greater autonomy over their rides. Riders can activate this option by default, make on-demand requests, or reserve a ride in advance. Though matching isn’t guaranteed, Uber says activating the Uber Women Preferences feature improves the odds, though it may lead to longer wait times due to the low percentage of women drivers on the platform.
How the Feature Works for Riders and Drivers
The Uber Women Preferences update also empowers women drivers by allowing them to exclusively accept ride requests from female passengers. This setting, called “Women Rider Preference,” can be toggled on or off, offering flexibility during both peak and low-demand hours. According to Uber’s Vice President for U.S. and Canadian Operations, Camiel Irving, the feature stems from extensive feedback gathered across markets. “Women riders and drivers have told us they want the option to match with each other,” she said in a company statement.
Uber has been refining this program since 2019, when it was first introduced in Saudi Arabia. It’s now available in more than 40 countries, including France and Germany. The U.S. rollout marks its most significant deployment yet, as Uber aims to make gender-based pairing a viable, functional tool—not just a symbolic offering.
Addressing Safety, Competition, and Inclusion Concerns
Uber’s decision comes amid ongoing scrutiny over safety. Its most recent U.S. Safety Report revealed 2,717 cases of sexual assault and misconduct between 2021 and 2022—a 22% drop from previous years, but still a major concern. Earlier reports had documented nearly 6,000 such incidents between 2017 and 2018.
The company is also catching up to Lyft, which introduced its “Women+ Connect” feature in 2023, catering to women and non-binary users. While Lyft gained early momentum, Uber’s scale and mature technology may give it a competitive edge. Following the announcement, Uber shares rose by 2.1%, while Lyft shares dipped 1%, according to market reports from Barron’s.
However, the rollout isn’t without criticism. The Uber Women Preferences feature currently only applies to users who identify as women, based on app-registered gender and name, leaving out non-binary riders. While Uber says it consulted LGBTQ+ organizations, advocates argue that broader inclusion is needed.
Overall, Uber Women Preferences feature is a major step in enhancing user safety and trust—two pillars the ride-hailing industry has long struggled with. By offering greater control to both women riders and drivers, the company is signaling a shift toward more personalized, secure travel. As the pilot evolves, its success may determine whether the feature becomes a nationwide standard—or a symbolic gesture amid deeper systemic issues.
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