Uber Launches Nationwide Female Driver Option in US

Uber launched a nationwide feature in the United States this week that allows women riders to request female drivers, aiming to enhance safety amid ongoing concerns about assaults in ride-hailing services. The rollout, which began on March 9, 2026, in major cities including New York and Washington, D.C., expands on pilot programs tested last year in locations such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Detroit. The company described the move as a response to user feedback, providing women with greater control over their rides.

The Women Preferences option works through a simple toggle in the Uber app. Riders enter their destination and select the female driver preference, which matches them with available women drivers. Users can also set this as a default in their profile to increase matching likelihood, though wait times may extend since women comprise about 20 percent of U.S. drivers, varying by city. If a match takes too long, riders can opt for a standard ride or reserve a trip in advance with the preference enabled. Teen accounts are eligible, and female drivers can similarly request women riders. Uber noted that passengers may choose another option if needed for quicker service.