Uber rolls out women-only option in the US

The feature allows both women riders and drivers to be matched with other women for trips on the ride-sharing app.

Uber has launched a nationwide feature across the U.S. that allows women riders and drivers to match exclusively with other women, following pilots in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. The feature, called 'Women Drivers,' is intended to improve safety on the platform and includes options for requesting or reserving female drivers. It also extends to teen accounts, and allows women drivers to opt for only female passengers. While Uber claims this aims to increase safety, the move has sparked legal controversy. A class-action lawsuit in California accuses the program of violating the state’s Unruh Act by discriminating against male drivers. Uber is seeking arbitration and argues the feature aligns with public safety interests.

Uber has announced the nationwide expansion of its 'Women Preferences' feature in the United States, which allows women riders and drivers to match exclusively with each other. Initially piloted in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Detroit, and subsequently expanded to 26 cities, the feature aims to enhance safety and rider comfort while also serving as a competitive strategy. Since its launch, it has facilitated over 230 million trips globally and is now available in more than 40 countries. Women users can choose to request, reserve, or set a default preference for female drivers. However, a potential challenge is that only around 20% of Uber drivers in the U.S. are women, which may affect the availability and consistency of the feature across various regions. The initiative mirrors Lyft's 'Women+ Connect' program, which launched nationwide in 2024. Despite its positive reception, the program faces legal scrutiny from male drivers in California, who have filed a class-action lawsuit claiming it discriminates against men and limits their economic opportunities.

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Uber has launched a feature allowing female drivers and passengers across the US to request trips with other women on the ride-hailing app. The feature was piloted in the US last year and led to women feeling 'more comfortable in the back seat' and 'more confident behind the wheel,' Uber said. The rollout comes despite an ongoing class-action lawsuit in California, filed by Uber drivers who argue the move discriminates against men.