Uber has begun rolling out a new feature that allows women passengers to request women drivers—a long-awaited move aimed at improving rider safety, comfort, and agency. The pilot program, called Women Rider Preference, expands a feature already available in 40 countries and is expected to launch soon in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Detroit.
The company says the update will not guarantee a female driver every time but will increase the likelihood that women riders are matched with women behind the wheel. The option appears in the app at the time of booking, and if the wait time is too long, users can still opt for the fastest available pickup.
The update is similar to Lyft’s Women+ Connect program, launched in 2023, which enables women and non-binary riders to request female and non-binary drivers. That feature has become one of Lyft’s highest-rated, with 67% of eligible drivers opting in.
While some male drivers have voiced concerns that the change may reduce their pool of potential customers, many women drivers say the move is long overdue. “You would not believe how many women tell me, ‘I’m so glad you’re my driver,’” said Ilana Engleman, a Portland-based Lyft driver who frequently hears relief from riders. “It’s not just about comfort—it’s about safety.”
Women drivers and riders in the rideshare industry have long cited safety concerns. Maria Flores, an Uber driver, said a recent female passenger told her she always chooses women drivers because she feels more secure. Another driver shared that a male passenger once asked to kiss her—at the end of a ride. “Luckily, we were already at the drop-off point. I said, ‘No thank you,’ and got out of there,” she said.
Uber has also announced plans to give women drivers the ability to prioritize women riders, particularly during nighttime hours—a change welcomed by many who feel vulnerable during late shifts. Still, the company emphasized that these features are optional and designed to increase—not restrict—choice for both drivers and riders.
Some male drivers have expressed skepticism, arguing that Uber already tracks rider and driver locations and identities, which they say should be sufficient deterrents to misconduct. “Nobody can do any trouble for anybody,” one male driver at a holding area near Portland International Airport told reporters.
However, women in the industry argue that this view overlooks their lived experiences. “Men don’t understand what we go through,” said one driver. “This isn’t about excluding men. It’s about giving women the tools we need to feel safe while doing our jobs.”
