Uber Launches Nationwide Women-Only Rides Feature with 20% Female Driver Base
Uber launched its Women Drivers feature nationwide, allowing female riders and drivers to match, with on-demand, reservation, app preference, and teen account options. The rollout, against a backdrop of a California class-action alleging Unruh Act violations and similar Lyft litigation, raises potential discrimination lawsuit costs.
1. Nationwide rollout
Uber enabled its Women Drivers option across the U.S., allowing female riders to request female drivers and vice versa, with on-demand, reservation, and app preference settings available, including teen account compatibility.
2. Legal challenges
Two California drivers filed a class-action under the Unruh Act claiming discrimination against male drivers, while a similar suit targets Lyft’s Women+Connect feature; Uber has moved to compel arbitration and argues the feature promotes safety.
3. Feature mechanics and demographics
The app’s “Women Drivers” toggle boosts matching likelihood but does not guarantee a match, and about 20% of U.S. drivers are female, though regional ratios vary; drivers can also opt to receive only female-rider trips, adjustable at any time.