NYC Uber Adds Female Driver Matching Option
Uber launches female driver option in NYC, but only 6% of licensed drivers are women
Uber Adds Female Driver Option in NYC
Women in New York City can now request female Uber drivers through a new feature the company rolled out in March 2026. The option addresses safety concerns raised by female passengers, though the limited pool of female drivers—just 6% of the city's more than 178,000 Taxi and Limousine Commission-licensed drivers—may create availability challenges. Lyft launched a similar feature in 2023.
Limited Driver Pool Creates Challenges
The feature faces supply constraints due to the small percentage of female drivers in the rideshare industry. Nationwide, women account for only 15% to 18% of rideshare drivers in the United States, according to industry data. Availability becomes particularly limited during late-night hours when many female drivers choose not to work due to safety concerns, transit officials noted. Uber stated it created the feature in response to requests from women passengers who wanted more control over their ride experience.
Legal Battles Surround New Feature
The company faces thousands of lawsuits from passengers alleging sexual assault by male drivers. Two women won judgments against Uber this year for sexual assault cases, including one for $8 million, according to court records. Male drivers in California have filed lawsuits against both Uber and Lyft, claiming the women-preference feature is discriminatory and will reduce their ride volume. The legal challenges highlight tensions between passenger safety concerns and driver equity issues.
Screening Requirements Already in Place
TLC drivers in NYC undergo background checks, drug tests, and fingerprinting before receiving their licenses, according to commission regulations. Veronica Martinez, who's driven for both Uber and Lyft for 11 years, emphasized the existing screening process. Despite the new matching feature, some female drivers continue to accept rides from all passengers regardless of gender, officials said.
What Riders Need to Know
Female passengers using the feature may experience longer wait times due to limited driver availability, particularly during peak hours and late-night periods. The option appears in the Uber app for eligible riders in New York City. Moovit provides real-time updates for rideshare and transit options throughout NYC, helping riders compare travel choices and estimated arrival times.
