Latest news with #WomenDrivers
CNN
7 days ago
- Automotive
- CNN
Women will soon be able to request a female Uber driver in these US cities
Uber is piloting a new option for its US app that will allow female passengers to request women drivers, coming after the company has long grappled with preventing sexual assault on its platform. The feature, called Women Preferences, will launch in a pilot stage in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Detroit in the next few weeks, Uber said in a blog post on Wednesday. It marks the first time the popular ride share app is bringing this option to its service in the United States after launching it in 40 other countries. Uber joins Lyft and other taxi hailing apps, like HERide and Just Her Rideshare, that connect female passengers with women drivers. 'Across the US, women riders and drivers have told us they want the option to be matched with other women on trips,' Camiel Irving, vice president of operations in the US and Canada, said in a press release. Women riders in cities where the feature is available will see a new option called Women Drivers. They'll also be able to pre-book rides with women drivers and set a preference in the app to be matched with a female driver. The feature works both ways; women drivers will be able to request female passengers too with a new 'Women Rider Preference' option in the settings menu. Riders and drivers will still be able to connect more broadly with non-female passengers and drivers if they wish, even with these preferences set. The company conducted testing and collected feedback from other markets like Germany and France to make sure the feature would work reliably considering most Uber drivers are men, Irving wrote in Uber's blog post. Sexual assault has been a problem for Uber for years; nearly 6,000 sexual assault reports were made from 2017-2018, according to Uber's safety report. That number has dropped significantly to 2,717 by 2022, the report says, although five passengers sued Uber in 2022 over sexual assault incidents that occurred between August 2021 and February 2022. The California Public Utilities Commission fined Uber $59 million in 2020 for not handing over sexual assault data, but that fine was slashed to $150,000 after the company cut a deal requiring it to provide anonymized data on sexual assault incidents. Uber has launched other features to promote safety in recent years, such as a hub in the app for managing safety preferences.
Bloomberg
23-07-2025
- Automotive
- Bloomberg
Uber Tests Option in the US to Match Female Riders and Drivers
Uber Technologies Inc. is piloting a new ride type in the US that will match female riders and drivers, expanding access to a safety feature it already offers in some international markets. The service will launch in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Detroit over the next few weeks, the company said in a statement Wednesday. Riders will see a new on-demand ride option called 'Women Drivers' alongside the existing UberX, Comfort, UberXL and Black offerings. Customers can reserve such a trip in advance, or set their preference in the app settings to increase the likelihood of being matched with a woman driver.
Tahawul Tech
17-07-2025
- Automotive
- Tahawul Tech
'Women across Saudi Arabia have shown how mobility can open the door to new possibilities.' – Youssef Abouseif, Uber KSA
As Saudi Arabia celebrates seven years since the historic decision that allowed women to drive, Uber has announced the upcoming launch of its new 'Women Drivers' product, designed to give women riders the option to be matched exclusively with women drivers. The feature builds on Uber's commitment to empowering women through mobility and flexible economic opportunities. The 'Women Drivers' product allows women riders to book rides exclusively with women drivers via the Uber app, expanding economic opportunities for Saudi women while enhancing rider choice. The initiative aligns with Uber's long-term vision for a more inclusive platform and forms part of its broader commitment to support the participation of women in the Saudi economy. The product is also designed for ease of use to ensure women feel comfortable and empowered. It will be available gradually for riders in the coming weeks. Here's how the product works: On-demand – The Women Drivers product allows women riders to be matched with Women Drivers. The product functions just like UberX and is selectable from the product mini-list with similar prices as Uber X. – The Women Drivers product allows women riders to be matched with Women Drivers. The product functions just like UberX and is selectable from the product mini-list with similar prices as Uber X. Reserve – For women riders looking for added structure and planning, they can reserve a ride with a women driver up to 30 minutes in advance through the Uber Reserve feature. Youssef Abouseif, KSA GM at Uber, said, Women across Saudi Arabia have shown how mobility can open the door to new possibilities. At Uber, we see that future as electric, shared, and autonomous – but also inclusive. The launch of the 'Women Drivers' product reflects our commitment to empowering women and supporting their mobility and economic independence. We're continuing to support women who choose to drive via the Uber app – giving them more choice, more opportunity, and a stronger sense of community. We're also thrilled to witness this dynamic change unfold in Saudi Arabia, and we firmly believe initiatives like these play a pivotal role in Saudi Vision 2030.' Empowering Saudi women through Al Nahda partnership and GigSister events Uber is proud to announce its partnership with Alnahda Society, a leading non-profit organization established in 1962 with a mission to empower women both economically and socially. This collaboration aims to support women in mobility through capacity-building initiatives, including financial literacy programs, by equipping women with essential skills. The initiative paves the way for economic independence and opens up opportunities such as driving via the Uber app. This effort builds on Uber's previous collaboration with Alnahda through the Masaruky initiative, which supported thousands of women in joining the workforce by helping them learn to drive and obtain a driver's license. Additionally, Uber will host its first GigSister program in Saudi Arabia, creating a dedicated space for women drivers to connect, share experiences, and foster a supportive local community. These initiatives highlight how Uber is going beyond mobility to actively invest in the development and success of women across the Kingdom. Over the years, Uber has introduced a series of programs in Saudi Arabia, from the Wusool initiative, which has supported over 20 million subsidized rides for women, to Women Rider Preference, which allows women drivers to choose if they want to exclusively pick-up women riders. Each of these initiatives has been carefully curated to advance women's participation in the workforce and align with the Kingdom's broader socio-economic goals. By integrating innovation, empowerment, and local insights, Uber continues to provide tangible solutions that address the unique needs of women in Saudi Arabia. With this latest product launch and new partnerships, Uber remains committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and progressive platform for all.
Arabian Business
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Arabian Business
Uber launches ‘Women Drivers' feature in Saudi Arabia
Uber has announced the upcoming launch of its new 'Women Drivers' product in Saudi Arabia, allowing women riders to be matched exclusively with women drivers via the app. The new feature, which will roll out gradually in the coming weeks, marks a major step forward in enhancing mobility and economic inclusion for Saudi women. The launch coincides with the seven-year anniversary of the Kingdom's historic decision to lift the driving ban on women, and is positioned as part of Uber's broader mission to empower women through innovation, local partnerships, and economic opportunity. Uber Women Drivers in Saudi Arabia The product is also designed for ease of use to ensure women feel comfortable and empowered. It will be available gradually for riders in the coming weeks. Here's how the product works: On-demand: The Women Drivers product allows women riders to be matched with Women Drivers. The product functions just like UberX and is selectable from the product mini-list with similar prices to Uber X Reserve: For women riders looking for added structure and planning, they can reserve a ride with a women driver up to 30 minutes in advance through the Uber Reserve feature Youssef Abouseif, KSA GM at Uber, said: 'Women across Saudi Arabia have shown how mobility can open the door to new possibilities. At Uber, we see that future as electric, shared, and autonomous – but also inclusive. 'The launch of the 'Women Drivers' product reflects our commitment to empowering women and supporting their mobility and economic independence. 'We're continuing to support women who choose to drive via the Uber app – giving them more choice, more opportunity, and a stronger sense of community. 'We're also thrilled to witness this dynamic change unfold in Saudi Arabia, and we firmly believe initiatives like these play a pivotal role in Saudi Vision 2030.' Uber is partnering with Alnahda Society, a leading non-profit organisation established in 1962 with a mission to empower women both economically and socially. The collaboration aims to support women in mobility through capacity-building initiatives, including financial literacy programs, by equipping women with essential skills. The initiative paves the way for economic independence and opens up opportunities such as driving via the Uber app. This effort builds on Uber's previous collaboration with Alnahda through the Masaruky initiative, which supported thousands of women in joining the workforce by helping them learn to drive and obtain a driver's licence. Additionally, Uber will host its first GigSister program in Saudi Arabia, creating a dedicated space for women drivers to connect, share experiences, and foster a supportive local community. These initiatives highlight how Uber is going beyond mobility to actively invest in the development and success of women across the Kingdom. Over the years, Uber has introduced a series of programs in Saudi Arabia, from the Wusool initiative, which supported more than 20m subsidised rides for women, to Women Rider Preference, which allows women drivers to choose if they want to exclusively pick-up women riders. Each of these initiatives has been carefully curated to advance women's participation in the workforce and align with the Kingdom's broader socio-economic goals.
Zawya
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Uber doubles down on commitment to empower women in Saudi Arabia
Uber to host Saudi Arabia's first-ever GigSister event, creating a dedicated space for women drivers to connect and build community Collaboration with Alnahda Society to empower women in mobility through capacity building initiatives and drive economic opportunities. Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – As Saudi Arabia celebrates seven years since the historic decision that allowed women to drive, Uber is proud to announce the upcoming launch of its new 'Women Drivers' product, designed to give women riders the option to be matched exclusively with women drivers. The feature builds on Uber's commitment to empowering women through mobility and flexible economic opportunities. The 'Women Drivers' product allows women riders to book rides exclusively with women drivers via the Uber app, expanding economic opportunities for Saudi women while enhancing rider choice. The initiative aligns with Uber's long-term vision for a more inclusive platform and forms part of its broader commitment to support the participation of women in the Saudi economy. The product is also designed for ease of use to ensure women feel comfortable and empowered. It will be available gradually for riders in the coming weeks. Here's how the product works: On-demand - The Women Drivers product allows women riders to be matched with Women Drivers. The product functions just like UberX and is selectable from the product mini-list with similar prices as Uber X. Reserve - For women riders looking for added structure and planning, they can reserve a ride with a women driver up to 30 minutes in advance through the Uber Reserve feature. Youssef Abouseif, KSA GM at Uber, said, 'Women across Saudi Arabia have shown how mobility can open the door to new possibilities. At Uber, we see that future as electric, shared, and autonomous - but also inclusive. The launch of the 'Women Drivers' product reflects our commitment to empowering women and supporting their mobility and economic independence. We're continuing to support women who choose to drive via the Uber app - giving them more choice, more opportunity, and a stronger sense of community. We're also thrilled to witness this dynamic change unfold in Saudi Arabia, and we firmly believe initiatives like these play a pivotal role in Saudi Vision 2030.' Empowering Saudi women through Al Nahda partnership and GigSister events Uber is proud to announce its partnership with Alnahda Society, a leading non-profit organization established in 1962 with a mission to empower women both economically and socially. This collaboration aims to support women in mobility through capacity-building initiatives, including financial literacy programs, by equipping women with essential skills. The initiative paves the way for economic independence and opens up opportunities such as driving via the Uber app. This effort builds on Uber's previous collaboration with Alnahda through the Masaruky initiative, which supported thousands of women in joining the workforce by helping them learn to drive and obtain a driver's license. Additionally, Uber will host its first GigSister program in Saudi Arabia, creating a dedicated space for women drivers to connect, share experiences, and foster a supportive local community. These initiatives highlight how Uber is going beyond mobility to actively invest in the development and success of women across the Kingdom. Over the years, Uber has introduced a series of programs in Saudi Arabia, from the Wusool initiative, which has supported over 20 million subsidized rides for women, to Women Rider Preference, which allows women drivers to choose if they want to exclusively pick-up women riders. Each of these initiatives has been carefully curated to advance women's participation in the workforce and align with the Kingdom's broader socio-economic goals. By integrating innovation, empowerment, and local insights, Uber continues to provide tangible solutions that address the unique needs of women in Saudi Arabia. With this latest product launch and new partnerships, Uber remains committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and progressive platform for all. About Uber Uber's mission is to create opportunity through movement. We started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? More than 58 billion trips later, we're building products to get people closer to where they want to be. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities.
