In a bid to enhance safety measures for women, Uber has unveiled a new feature in its app for South Florida that is tailored to protect female drivers and riders from harassment and assault risks on the platform.
As reported by Local 10 News, the feature called "Women Preferences" is a pilot program that enables female users, drivers, and now teenagers to choose to be matched exclusively with female drivers during their trips.
"Our aim is to make this feature accessible to all women in the United States, whether they are riders or drivers," stated Camiel Irving, Uber's Vice President of Operations, as quoted by the news outlet.
When booking a ride, female passengers will have the option to select "Women Drivers," which they can choose immediately or schedule in advance. Moreover, female drivers can now opt to accept rides solely from female passengers, even during peak hours when demand and earnings are high, such as nighttime.
This feature can also be set directly from the app's settings, providing convenience and control for both riders and drivers.
This initiative is part of Uber's ongoing efforts to enhance safety after facing criticism over sexual harassment incidents. Uber’s own safety report revealed that between 2017 and 2018, nearly 6,000 sexual assault reports were filed. By 2022, this number had decreased to just over 2,700 cases, but the issue remains a significant concern.
Uber has pledged to continue assessing the program's impact with the goal of nationwide expansion, aiming to rebuild trust among its female users and drivers.
Uber's Safety Efforts and Women-Only Feature
What is the new feature introduced by Uber in South Florida?
Uber has introduced a "Women Preferences" feature that allows female riders and drivers to opt for rides exclusively with female drivers.
Why did Uber introduce the "Women Preferences" feature?
The feature aims to enhance safety and reduce the risk of harassment and assault for women on the platform.
How can female passengers use the "Women Preferences" feature?
Female passengers can select the "Women Drivers" option when booking a ride, either immediately or in advance, through the app's settings.