Uber Expands Women-Only Ride Option Nationwide Amid Discrimination Lawsuits

Uber has launched a feature allowing women riders and drivers across the U.S. To be matched with other women for trips, expanding a pilot program initially tested in select cities. The rollout aims to address safety concerns, but it’s occurring alongside ongoing legal challenges alleging discrimination against male drivers.

Addressing Safety Concerns

The new feature, announced Monday, allows women to request a female driver through an option in the Uber app called “Women Drivers.” Riders can opt for another ride if the wait time is too long, or pre-schedule trips with a female driver. Female drivers can too indicate a preference for trips with female riders, and can toggle this preference on or off at any time. Uber also extends the option to teen account users, allowing them to request women drivers.

Pilot Program and Expansion

Initially available in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Detroit, the program expanded to 26 cities in November before becoming available nationwide. Uber stated that the expansion was driven by user feedback, with many women reporting increased comfort and confidence when riding or driving with other women. The service is also being rolled out internationally, currently available for drivers in 40 countries and riders in seven, with further expansion planned.

Legal Challenges and Discrimination Claims

Despite the expansion, Uber faces a class action lawsuit in California filed by drivers who argue the “Women Preferences” feature is discriminatory against men. The lawsuit alleges that the feature limits opportunities for male drivers, giving female drivers access to the entire passenger pool while restricting male drivers to a smaller one. The suit also contends that the feature reinforces gender stereotypes about safety. Lyft, which has a similar program, is also facing a discrimination lawsuit.

Independent Contractor Status and Unionization Efforts

The legal landscape for rideshare drivers in California is also evolving. Recent legislative developments aim to allow over 800,000 rideshare workers in the state to collectively bargain while maintaining their classification as independent contractors. This follows a 2020 voter-approved ballot measure that reversed a 2019 law requiring Uber and Lyft to provide drivers with benefits.

Uber’s Response

In a blog post, Uber stated, “When women riders and drivers told us they wanted more control over how they ride and earn, we listened.”

Source: Associated Press, US News & World Report, WCBI