Uber Expands to Women-Only Rideshare Options: Examining Gender Equity and Access

Uber recently announced that it would test the ability to pair women drivers and riders in an effort to address safety on the ride-sharing platform. The new software will allow women passengers to match with women drivers when booking riders and create a preference in their app settings. Women drivers would also be able to choose to drive women passengers.

Uber will roll out the test program in the American cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Detroit, as well as countries such as Argentina, France, and Germany. Uber previously tested similar features in 2019 in Saudi Arabia after women fought for the right to drive. Rider’s preferences aren’t guaranteed, though the feature increases the chances of a pairing.

Lyft launched an option in late 2023 that pairs women and nonbinary drivers and riders. Ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft have faced safety concerns due to various sexual harassment and assault incidents by passengers using the online platforms.

Sex Based Discrimination Can Be Legal In Certain Circumstances

Discrimination is only illegal if they are based on certain immutable characteristics. That means it is typically not permitted to discriminate against someone based on a trait they cannot easily change about themselves. This usually includes race, sex, gender, nationality, and/or religion.

However, sex and gender discrimination can sometimes be legal due to the biological differences between the sexes. For instance, pregnant women can ask for an accommodation even though men cannot because women can become pregnant while men cannot. Likewise, gender segregated bathrooms are generally viewed favorably.

The ride-sharing company’s shift is to match women with women who share the same concerns due to biological differences. Men are biologically stronger than women, and some are dangerous enough that they will sexually assault women or stalk women using the GPS information on their phone. These are not hypothetical concerns; Uber has been sued for not doing enough to protect women from sexual harassment by male Uber drivers.

Could Ride-Share Companies Expand Matching to Other Groups?

It is unlikely that Uber would attempt to expand selectivity into other areas. Other criteria would be potentially illegal and could generate bad publicity, such as connecting people based on race or religion. It is also uncertain whether there would even be a market for matching passengers and drivers based on race or religion. Connecting women with other women was a solution to a widespread problem. Matching race with the same race would not warrant the same safety concern that drives women wanting to be matched with other women. Even if most people prefer to be around people who are like them, it’s doubtful that people would want to pay extra and wait longer for a car ride.

Do I Need a Lawyer for Help with Sex Discrimination Claims?

It may be helpful to consult with a discrimination lawyer if you have any issues, questions, or concerns related to sex discrimination. Your attorney can help you determine whether sex discrimination occurred, assist you with filing a claim with the proper agency, and file a lawsuit, if it becomes necessary. Conversely, if your business is being sued for sex discrimination, a skilled discrimination attorney can represent you in court and help defend you from the lawsuit.