July 29,2025 — Ride-hailing giant Uber is set to pilot a new “Women Drivers” feature in select U.S. cities, allowing women and nonbinary riders and drivers to choose to be matched exclusively with one another. The initiative will be rolled out in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Detroit in the coming weeks.
According to the company, the feature is designed to improve safety and comfort for users who prefer to travel with or pick up passengers of the same gender identity. Riders will be able to set their preference directly through the Uber app, either via the settings menu or during the ride request process. Similarly, women and nonbinary drivers can opt in to accept ride requests only from female or nonbinary passengers.
Uber stated that this feature is entirely optional and can be enabled or disabled at any time based on user preference.
“The decision to introduce this pilot in U.S. cities was based on consistent feedback from women and nonbinary users seeking greater control over their ride experience,” an Uber representative said. “This is a step forward in creating a safer and more supportive environment for both riders and drivers.”
This U.S. pilot follows similar efforts made by Uber in countries such as India, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, where gender-preference features have been previously introduced to address safety and cultural considerations. In those markets, the features reportedly received a positive response, particularly among women seeking increased peace of mind while commuting.
Experts in urban transportation policy view this move as a strategic response to persistent safety concerns in the ride-hailing sector. Data from various user surveys have indicated that a significant number of female riders feel more at ease when matched with women drivers, especially during night-time trips or in unfamiliar areas.
Industry analysts also note that Uber’s ability to meet demand under this new feature will depend on the availability of female and nonbinary drivers in the participating cities. The company is expected to use data collected during the pilot to refine the feature and assess its viability for a broader rollout.
Uber’s introduction of the “Women Drivers” option represents a continued focus on user customization and trust-building. By offering more choice in how rides are matched, the platform aims to address user concerns while encouraging more women to sign up as drivers—an area where female representation remains relatively low.
The pilot will be closely monitored over the coming months, with adjustments likely based on user feedback and platform performance. If successful, the feature may be expanded to additional cities across the United States.
This development underscores a broader trend in the ride-hailing industry toward personalized and safer mobility solutions, particularly for underrepresented groups.
