Uber has announced the launch of its Women Preferences feature in the United States, a service allowing women and non-binary riders to request women drivers. This initiative follows global pilot programs aimed at enhancing safety, comfort, and driver flexibility.
According to Uber, women riders have consistently identified safety and comfort as primary concerns when using ridesharing platforms. The Women Preferences feature directly addresses this feedback by enabling these riders to select women drivers, fostering a safer and more comfortable experience. Many women report increased confidence in using rideshare services late at night or in unfamiliar areas when matched with women drivers. By responding to customer concerns, Uber aims to create a more trustworthy and inclusive platform.
The feature builds on successful international pilots that demonstrated strong demand and positive outcomes. Uber piloted Women Preferences in several countries before introducing it in the U.S., allowing the company to assess its impact on rider satisfaction and safety. Early results indicated that both riders and drivers valued the option, with many women stating they used Uber more frequently after the feature’s introduction in their market. By scaling this feature to the U.S., Uber is applying proven global insights to one of its largest customer bases.
Uber explained that Women Preferences empowers women drivers by allowing them to accept rides only from women or non-binary riders if they choose, potentially improving driver confidence and retention. This flexibility may encourage more women to join and remain active on the platform, increasing representation among drivers. More women behind the wheel could create a stronger network effect benefiting all users of the service.
According to Uber, over 99.9% of trips conclude without incident, with significant investments made into safety features such as in-app emergency assistance, GPS tracking, and Safety Risk Assessed Dispatch (S-RAD). Uber is also among the few companies in the transportation sector that publicly release Safety Reports tracking incidents, demonstrating its commitment to transparency and accountability. By combining initiatives like Women Preferences with broader safety investments, Uber underscores its leadership in making mobility safer for everyone.
