Uber has initiated a pilot program in the United States aimed at enhancing safety and comfort for women riders and drivers. This smart new feature is known as the Women Rider Preference feature. It gives female drivers the power to match only with female riders, helping to foster a safer riding experience. The program will debut in three key markets: Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Detroit.
This feature helps promote women drivers. By tapping a button on the Uber Driver app, they’ll be able to opt in to only accepting rides that have female passengers. Uber’s promotion of this initiative has focused on the idea that it’s increasing options and control for women, which is true. It more directly aims at peak earning hours, particularly in the evenings when the demand for rideshare is through the roof.
Uber now claims that approximately 20 percent of their drivers in the U.S. are women. This shocking statistic underscores the immediate importance of addressing their specific needs. Within its own business, the company is trying to address safety issues for women riders and drivers. At this point, they can accept or reject trips based on their individual proclivities.
The pilot program is an early step in Uber’s ongoing agenda to improve safety and inclusivity for women using its app. Upon its debut in the U.S., the Women Rider Preference feature will quickly expand. It will be added soon to another 40 countries around the world, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Egypt, France, India, Mexico, and Poland.
“When we make our platform better for women, we make it better for everyone.” – Camiel Irving, Uber’s vice president of operations, U.S. and Canada.
The Women Rider Preference feature is now available, but only in select markets. It puts women drivers in control of improving their driving experience first, with safety and comfort on the road being a byproduct of that. As Uber continues to roll out this initiative, it remains focused on creating a more inclusive environment for all users.
