Uber is expanding a feature nationwide that allows women riders and drivers to match only with other women. The company says it’s about safety and choice, but critics—and now a lawsuit—say it may cross a legal line.
The feature, called “Women Preferences,” is rolling out across the United States after being tested in select cities. The timing is notable, as the expansion comes amid a class-action lawsuit in California alleging that the policy discriminates against male drivers.
How the Feature Works
Female riders using Uber now have a few new options inside the app. They can request a ride specifically with a woman driver, reserve a trip in advance with a woman driver, or set a preference to increase the likelihood of matching with one.
The preference is not guaranteed, and riders can switch to a faster pickup if wait times are too long. On the driver side, women can prioritize ride requests from female passengers, and the feature has also been extended to teen accounts.
Uber’s Safety Argument
Uber says the feature was built directly in response to feedback from women who wanted more comfort and control while using the platform. That concern is not theoretical, as rideshare companies have faced years of scrutiny over safety and reported incidents.
Some advocates say this type of option could help more women feel comfortable using rideshare services. In local reporting from WKOW, self-defense instructor Natalie DeMaioribus said the feature could make some riders feel more willing to use rideshare platforms.
Legal Pushback in California
While Uber is expanding the feature, it is also defending it in court. A class-action lawsuit filed by male drivers argues the policy violates California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on sex, according to a case summary from the Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse.
The plaintiffs claim the system creates an uneven playing field by limiting access to certain rides. Uber disputes those claims and maintains that the feature serves a legitimate safety purpose, as detailed in WBBJ’s reporting.
A Broader, Global Issue
The debate isn’t limited to the United States, as similar safety concerns have been raised internationally. In Australia, a government survey reported by news.com.au found women were more likely to experience unwanted behavior during rideshare trips, including intrusive questions, inappropriate comments, and personal space violations.
That has prompted new guidelines aimed at improving driver training, complaint handling, and overall passenger safety. It highlights how companies and regulators are still trying to balance safety with fairness.
A Feature With Tradeoffs
Even beyond the legal fight, there are practical questions about how well the feature will work. Uber says roughly one in five drivers in the U.S. are women, a gap that could affect availability depending on location and time of day, according to WBBJ.
Still, Uber is betting the feature could attract more women to the platform as both riders and drivers. For now, it highlights a broader tension between improving safety and avoiding new forms of exclusion.