Uber has rolled out its Women Preferences feature to all U.S. markets, making it possible for female riders to request female drivers nationwide. The feature, first announced on March 9 2026, extends a safety‑focused option that was piloted in five cities in August 2025 and had already reached 60 cities by the end of 2025.
The Women Preferences feature originated in Saudi Arabia in 2019 for women drivers and has since expanded to more than 40 countries, with rider access in seven countries including the United States, Germany, France, Portugal, Brazil, and Spain. In the U.S., the feature now covers every city where Uber operates, allowing riders to request on‑demand rides, reserve trips in advance, or set a preference for women drivers. Teens and their guardians can also request women drivers in cities where teen accounts are available, and women drivers can toggle a preference to receive trip requests from women riders.
Uber’s expansion is part of a broader safety strategy that includes Trusted Contacts, Emergency Assistance, RideCheck, and anonymized phone numbers. By giving women more control over their ride experience, Uber aims to improve rider satisfaction and driver retention, addressing concerns that have led to a class‑action lawsuit in California alleging discrimination against male drivers. The feature also positions Uber competitively against Lyft, which offers a similar option, and signals the company’s commitment to inclusivity and safety.
Brooke Anderson, Uber’s Head of Product Communications, said, "Women asked for more choice — and we built it with Women Preferences. This feature exists because women told us it should, and we are proud to expand Women Preferences nationwide and bring more flexibility and control to millions more women." The statement underscores Uber’s user‑centric approach and its intent to strengthen its appeal to a key demographic.
Beyond Women Preferences, Uber continues to invest in autonomous vehicle technology, with plans to launch shared autonomous rides in Los Angeles in early 2026 in partnership with Volkswagen. The company’s driver demographics show that women make up roughly one‑fifth of its U.S. driver base, and the new feature is expected to enhance the platform’s attractiveness to both riders and drivers seeking a safer, more inclusive environment.
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