In a groundbreaking move aimed at enhancing safety and comfort for female riders, Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE: UBER) announced on March 9, 2026, the nationwide rollout of its Women Preferences feature. This initiative promises to empower millions of women across the United States by allowing them to match with women drivers, thereby increasing their sense of control and choice during rides.

2. The Genesis of Women Preferences

Women Preferences was conceived in response to direct feedback from women who expressed a desire for more options when using ride-hailing services. Initially launched in five pilot cities in August 2025, the feature quickly expanded to 60 U.S. cities by the end of the year. With this latest announcement, the service is now available in major metropolitan areas including New York, Washington D.C., Austin, Atlanta, and Philadelphia.

Brooke Anderson, Uber’s Head of Product Communications, emphasized the importance of user feedback in the development of Women Preferences. "Women asked for more choice — and we built it with Women Preferences," Anderson stated. "This feature exists because women told us it should, and we are proud to expand Women Preferences nationwide and bring more flexibility and control to millions more women."

3. Features of Women Preferences

The Women Preferences feature offers several options to enhance the riding experience for women:

On-Demand Ride Requests: Women riders can now specifically request rides from women drivers. If the wait time exceeds expectations, riders have the option to switch to a faster alternative.

Advance Reservations: Women can reserve trips with women drivers ahead of time for improved planning and certainty.

App Settings Preference: Users can toggle on a preference for women drivers in their app settings. While this does not guarantee a match, it increases the likelihood of being paired with a woman driver.

Furthermore, the feature allows women drivers to opt in to receive trip requests exclusively from female riders, thereby offering them more flexibility in their driving experience.

4. Inclusivity for Younger Riders

In cities where Uber Teen accounts are offered, teenagers and their guardians can also request women drivers for both on-demand and reserved trips. This expansion reflects Uber's commitment to ensuring a safe and comfortable experience for younger riders as well.

5. Global Expansion of Women Preferences

Uber’s Women Preferences feature is not just a national initiative; it has a rich international history. Initially introduced in Saudi Arabia in 2019, shortly after women were granted the right to drive, the feature has since expanded to over 40 countries worldwide. With more than 230 million global trips utilizing Women Preferences, Uber is committed to reaching a broader audience, including riders in Germany, France, Portugal, Brazil, and Spain.

6. Conclusion

Uber's nationwide expansion of Women Preferences marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey toward inclusivity and empowerment for women. By listening to user feedback and implementing changes that reflect the needs of their riders, Uber is not only enhancing the safety and comfort of women riders but also promoting a culture of choice and flexibility within its driver community. As this feature rolls out across the country, it is poised to transform the way women engage with ride-hailing services, ultimately creating a more equitable transportation landscape.

Original press release