Uber unveils women's preferred choices in service aspects
Uber's latest feature, Women Preferences, allows women riders and drivers to choose to be matched with other women for trips, aiming to enhance comfort and control. This feature is currently in a pilot phase in U.S. cities: Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Detroit.
For riders in the U.S., the new feature offers two options:
- On-demand trips: Women riders can request a female driver on-demand through a "Women Drivers" option when booking a ride. If wait times are longer, they can opt for a standard ride instead.
- Reserve feature: Riders can also reserve in advance to pre-book trips with women drivers for more certainty.
There is a settings toggle where women can enable a "Women Driver" preference to increase their chances (though not guarantee) of being matched with a female driver.
For drivers in the U.S., the feature works similarly:
- Women drivers can toggle on "Women Rider Preference" to only accept trip requests from female riders.
- They can turn this setting off anytime to receive ride requests from all passengers.
The Women Preferences feature builds on Uber's earlier launches of this preference in about 40 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Canada, India, France, Australia, and more, since 2019. The feature has facilitated over 100 million trips in various countries.
The new features are a response to feedback from women users across the country who expressed a desire for more control and confidence when using the Uber platform. This feature allows women drivers more opportunities to earn on their terms with flexibility and confidence.
It's important to note that even with preferences set, riders and drivers can still choose to connect with non-female users if they prefer. The feature aims to improve safety and comfort, responding to feedback from women riders and drivers over the years.
[1] Uber's Women Preferences Feature: How It Works for Riders and Drivers, TechCrunch [2] Uber Launches Women-Drivers-Only Option in U.S., The New York Times [3] Uber Introduces Women-Drivers-Only Option in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Detroit, Mashable [4] Uber Expands Women-Drivers-Only Option to 40 Countries, BBC News
- This health-and-wellness focused innovation, Uber's Women Preferences, allows for the enhancement of women's health by providing a safer and more comfortable riding experience through the selection of female drivers.
- As part of the lifestyle ascension in technology, Uber's Women Preferences feature integrates women's health and safety concerns into the science of transportation, aiming to improve the overall experience for women riders and drivers.
