Uber has announced the introduction of a Women Preferences feature on its platform, aimed at enhancing flexibility and confidence for women riders and drivers. This new feature is part of Uber's broader mission to improve inclusivity across its services.
According to Uber, the feature was developed in response to feedback from women riders and drivers who expressed a desire for the option to be matched with other women during trips. The company said, "when we make our platform better for women, we make it better for everyone," indicating that this initiative aligns with their commitment to inclusivity.
In 2023, Business Insider reported that women made up approximately 20% of Uber drivers in the United States. The Women Preferences feature allows these drivers to activate a "Women Rider Preference" in their app settings. This enables them to accept trip requests exclusively from women riders, particularly during peak evening hours, thereby offering greater control over their work environment and schedules.
Uber has highlighted that the development of this preference system involved careful iteration to account for market differences and ensure operational feasibility. The feature has been tested in various countries, including Germany and France, where ride and driver behaviors differ significantly. This design process reflects Uber’s dedication to launching a user-responsive and logistically sound feature.
Uber Technologies, Inc., founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, is a global transportation technology company operating in over 70 countries and 10,500 cities. Known for its continuous innovation in mobility services, Uber's ecosystem includes Uber Eats, Freight, and investments in autonomous mobility.