Uber launches women-only ride preference across US

US ride-hailing giant Uber has launched a new feature across the United States allowing female drivers and passengers to request trips exclusively with other women, as the company faces legal challenges over alleged gender discrimination.

The feature, called Women Preferences, was rolled out nationwide on March 9 following a pilot programme last year. According to Uber, the trial led to women feeling “more comfortable in the back seat” and “more confident behind the wheel”. The company said the initiative was introduced in response to feedback from women riders and drivers who wanted “more control over how they ride and earn," BBC writes. 

Under the new system, women passengers can reserve trips in advance with a female driver or adjust their app settings to increase the likelihood of being matched with one. In cities where teen accounts are available, teenagers and their parents can also request women drivers.

Uber said women make up about one-fifth of its US driver base, though the proportion varies by city.

However, the nationwide rollout comes amid an ongoing class action lawsuit in California. Two Uber drivers have accused the company of violating state legislation by potentially giving female drivers access to a wider pool of passengers, arguing that the move discriminates against men.

According to the Associated Press, Uber has filed a motion to halt the litigation and move the dispute to private arbitration, citing an agreement the drivers signed when joining the platform. In its motion, the company rejected claims that the feature breaches California’s Unruh Act, which prohibits sex discrimination by businesses, stating that it “serves a strong and recognized public policy interest in enhancing safety”.

The legal dispute unfolds as the wider ride-hailing industry faces increased scrutiny over passenger safety and discrimination concerns. Rival platform Lyft is also confronting a discrimination lawsuit over a feature introduced in 2024 that allows riders and drivers to prioritise matches with women and non-binary users.

Last month, a US court ordered Uber to pay $8.5 million to a woman who was raped by a man driving for the company. The ruling, which Uber has said it intends to appeal, could influence the outcome of thousands of similar cases filed against the firm.

Uber has consistently argued that it should not be held liable for criminal acts committed by drivers using its platform, describing them as independent contractors who undergo background checks as part of the vetting process.

The San Francisco-based company already offers the women-matching option for drivers in more than 40 countries and for riders in seven countries, including Spain, Brazil and Saudi Arabia.

By Sabina Mammadli