Uber Launches Women-Only Ride Option Across the U.S.

Uber has introduced a new feature across the United States that allows women riders and women drivers to be matched with each other on the company’s ride-hailing platform.

The option, called “Women Drivers,” appears in the Uber app and allows female riders to request a woman driver when booking a trip. Riders can also reserve rides with a woman driver in advance or set a preference in their app settings to increase the chances of being matched with one.

Women drivers can also choose to receive ride requests primarily from female passengers. The preference can be turned on or off at any time.

Uber says the feature is aimed at addressing safety concerns that have long been associated with ride-hailing services. Both passengers and drivers have reported incidents over the years, and the company says the new option could help make some users feel more comfortable using the platform.

The program was first tested in several U.S. cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles and Detroit, before expanding nationwide.

According to Uber, about one-fifth of its drivers in the United States are women, though the share varies by city. The rollout also comes as the feature faces legal challenges in California, where some drivers have filed a lawsuit arguing the policy discriminates against men.