Uber has introduced a new safety feature designed to make rideshare experiences safer for women. The company is now giving women the option to request a female driver, addressing concerns about rideshare sexual assault and harassment. The new feature is available in select cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Detroit, beginning in August 2025.
How Uber’s Female Driver Feature Works
With the new update, women can select a female driver when booking a ride through the Uber app. This option is available both for immediate rides and for those booked in advance. Women can also set a permanent preference for female drivers in their app settings. However, selecting this preference may result in longer wait times. If time is a concern, riders can choose other options for faster pickups.
In addition, women drivers can also request female passengers, giving them more control over their interactions during their driving shifts. If a woman feels uncomfortable or believes she has been matched with a male driver despite selecting the female driver preference, Uber encourages users to cancel the ride and report the incident.
Uber First Launched a Version of This Update in 2019
This new feature builds on previous initiatives Uber has launched, including the Women Rider Preference feature introduced in Saudi Arabia in 2019, after the country lifted its ban on women driving. Since then, the feature has expanded to 40 countries, providing more women with safer transportation options.
While Uber has worked to make this feature reliable, especially in regions where most drivers are men, the company acknowledges that the challenge remains significant. According to Camiel Irving, Uber’s VP of Operations for the US and Canada, the feature has been tested and refined in various countries, including Germany and France, to ensure its effectiveness.
Addressing the Issue of Sexual Harassment and Assault
The new feature comes at a time when Uber continues to grapple with reports of sexual harassment and assault in its vehicles. Uber’s most recent report, published in 2024, revealed that there were 2,717 incidents of serious sexual assault and misconduct between 2021 and 2022. The rideshare industry as a whole still faces widespread concerns about the safety of riders and drivers, with some incidents culminating in rideshare assault lawsuits due to lack of protections.
Women who have worked as rideshare drivers have also spoken out about their own experiences with harassment and assault. Many drivers reported feeling unsafe and even resorting to carrying pepper spray or other defensive items despite Uber’s ban on such items.
How Survivors Can Seek Support and Justice
If you have experienced rideshare assault or harassment, it is important to understand your rights and options. At Helping Survivors, we are committed to supporting individuals who have been impacted by sexual violence. Our team can connect you to trusted resources and legal professionals to help you take the next step in your healing and justice journey. Please do not hesitate to contact Helping Survivors today.
