Uber unveils option for passengers and drivers to opt for gender matching
Uber has announced the launch of its Women's Preferences feature, a new option that allows female riders and drivers in the United States to connect with each other. The pilot program will commence in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Detroit starting in July/August 2025.
This feature builds on similar options Uber tested and expanded internationally since 2019, including in Saudi Arabia and European countries. The aim is to increase safety and comfort for women by offering more choice and control during rides.
Riders and drivers can toggle on the women preference in their app settings to increase the chances of being matched with another woman. Women drivers will also have the option to request trips with women riders.
The Women's Preferences feature has received an "overwhelmingly positive" response since its launch. However, as it is newly introduced and described as a pilot, there is no available evidence or data yet indicating whether it has been successful in reducing incidents of sexual assault during Uber rides.
Lyft, Uber's main competitor, introduced a similar feature called Women+ Connect in September 2023, which was expanded nationwide in February 2024. This feature allows riders to reserve trips in advance with women drivers.
Uber encourages reporting if mismatches occur or if riders feel unsafe, aiming to improve enforcement and trust. It remains early to assess the actual impact of the Women's Preferences feature, but women riders interviewed express positive impressions about having this safety choice.
The company has recorded thousands of incidents of sexual assaults over the years and is seeking to introduce measures to make traveling safer. The Women's Preferences feature is part of Uber's ongoing efforts to address safety concerns and provide a more comfortable experience for its female users.
[1] Uber announces Women's Preferences feature (2025, July) [2] Uber's Women's Preferences feature: What you need to know (2025, July) [3] Uber's Women's Preferences feature: A step towards safety (2025, July) [4] Uber's Women's Preferences feature: A new option for women riders and drivers (2025, July) [5] Uber's Women's Preferences feature: A pilot program in select U.S. cities (2025, July)
[1] Uber's Women's Preferences feature, launching in July 2025, is set to revolutionize the health-and-wellness of women by fostering connections between female riders and drivers, thus strengthening the economy and business in the related health-and-wellness and technology sectors.
[2] The new Women's Preferences feature, a response to the increasing demand for safety measures in the economy, seeks to minimize incidents of sexual assault in the ride-sharing industry, while simultaneously stimulating innovation in science and finance by developing safer technology and improving financial security for women.
[3] Uber's introduction of Women's Preferences feature implies a keen interest in addressing women's health issues, reflecting a positive shift in the company's focus towards prioritizing the well-being of its customers and workforce. This move aligns with the broader trend of placing emphasis on health-and-wellness in modern society.
[4] The Women's Preferences feature, following in the footsteps of similar programs launched by Uber and competitors like Lyft, signifies a significant step forward in the integration of technology with market demands and societal needs, demonstrating the potential of science and business to improve health and well-being.
