ISLAMABAD: Uber has introduced a new feature across the United States that allows female drivers and passengers to request trips exclusively with other women through its ride-hailing platform.
The company said the option, called Women Preferences, was tested in selected areas of the US last year. According to Uber, the pilot programme showed that female passengers felt safer and more comfortable during rides, while women drivers reported greater confidence while working.
The feature was officially rolled out on Monday following feedback from women using the platform who said they wanted more control over their travel and earning experience.
With the new option, women passengers can book rides in advance specifically with female drivers or adjust their settings in the Uber app to increase the chances of being matched with a woman driver. In cities where Uber offers teen accounts, teenagers and their parents can also request rides with female drivers.
Lawsuit
Uber said women currently make up about one-fifth of its drivers in the United States, though the proportion varies depending on the city.
However, the initiative has sparked legal concerns. A class action lawsuit in California filed by two Uber drivers claims the feature could discriminate against male drivers by giving female drivers access to a larger pool of passengers.
According to the Associated Press, Uber has asked a court to halt the lawsuit and move the dispute to private arbitration, citing agreements drivers accepted when signing up for the platform.
The company argued that the feature does not violate California’s Unruh Act, which bans discrimination by businesses, and said the programme supports public safety by giving women greater control over their ride-sharing experience.
Uber already offers similar women-matching options for drivers in more than 40 countries.
