Uber Launches Women-Only Driver Option in U.S. Pilot

Uber, the global ride-hailing leader, has launched a pilot program in July 2025 that enables women riders to select women drivers, and gives women drivers the option to pick up women passengers, in a historic first for the U.S. market. The “Women Preferences” feature, already available in 40 countries, is now being rolled out in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Detroit, with the company indicating plans to expand to additional cities pending successful trials .

Uber’s move comes in response to persistent safety concerns voiced by women and LGBTQ+ passengers and drivers. Between 2021 and 2022, Uber’s own U.S. safety report documented 2,717 cases of sexual assault and misconduct, shining a light on the urgent need for solutions that foster both physical safety and peace of mind for vulnerable communities . Camiel Irving, Uber’s vice president of operations in the U.S. and Canada, stated, “Across the U.S., women riders and drivers have told us they want the option to be matched with other women on trips,” emphasizing the importance of choice and agency in ride-sharing .

The feature’s rollout in the U.S. follows its successful launch in markets such as Saudi Arabia (2019), Argentina, Australia, India, France, and others, collectively powering more than 100 million trips globally. In each of these regions, feedback has highlighted the added sense of security and empowerment for women, transgender people, and nonbinary individuals—groups that have historically faced increased risks in public and private transportation .

In cities where the pilot is active, women using Uber will see a “Women Drivers” option at the time of booking, both for on-demand and advance reservations. Users can also set a default preference in the app, increasing the likelihood they are matched with a woman driver. If a female driver is unavailable, riders can opt for the fastest available ride instead. Importantly, the choice is mutual: women drivers can enable a “Women Rider Preference,” giving them the ability to receive requests exclusively from women riders during their shifts, including during peak or late-night hours. Both riders and drivers retain the flexibility to turn preferences off at any time, maintaining access to the platform’s broader pool if preferred .

Uber’s approach to gender classification for this feature is based on the gender listed on a user’s government-issued identification and the information provided in the app. This has prompted calls from LGBTQ+ advocates for the company to further clarify how transgender and nonbinary users will be supported and included, ensuring that the feature does not inadvertently exclude those whose gender identity or legal documentation may not align .

For many in the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender women and nonbinary people who are often misgendered or face discrimination when using ride-hailing services, the introduction of gender-based matching is a double-edged sword. While the feature can offer a safer and more affirming experience, advocates stress the importance of options that respect and accommodate gender diversity, not just binary categories. Industry observers point out that competitors like Lyft have already piloted similar programs—Lyft’s “Women+ Connect” allows both women and nonbinary users to opt in for matched rides, setting a precedent for more inclusive approaches in the sector .

Organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign and GLAAD have long lobbied for safety features that specifically address the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals in public spaces, including ride-share environments. These groups have noted that transgender people, in particular, are at heightened risk for harassment and violence, and welcome steps that enable greater user control and safety. However, they urge technology companies to ensure that verification and preference systems are not used to police or question gender identity, and that support systems are in place for those whose documentation may not match their lived gender .

Beyond the pilot cities, the impact of Uber’s new feature will be closely watched by both the ride-hailing industry and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. As the company gathers data and feedback, there is potential for further adjustments to better serve the needs of diverse users, including nonbinary and gender-nonconforming individuals.

Uber has not yet announced a timeline for nationwide expansion, but the company says it is committed to learning from the pilot and making adjustments based on user feedback and evolving best practices. Camiel Irving reiterated the company’s goal of “providing more choice for women riders and drivers, and giving all users the ability to feel safer and more in control of their experience” .

As Uber and its competitors continue to develop features addressing safety and inclusivity, the LGBTQ+ community and allies will remain vigilant participants in these conversations—championing the need for platforms that affirm and protect all identities.