Uber: The driving service is currently under pressure from various sides.Image: keystone
For a few days now, women in the United States who order an Uber have been able to request a female driver. Some male drivers think this is unfair.
March 11, 2026, 1:50 p.mMarch 11, 2026, 1:50 p.m
The feature, called “Uber’s Women Preferences,” was tested in the US last year. The result: Women said they felt “more comfortable” in the back seat, but also felt safer behind the wheel, says Uber.
Women who order an Uber can use this option to reserve a ride with a female driver in advance or indicate their preference in the app. This can increase the likelihood that they will be matched with a female driver. In cities where teens can use Uber, they and their parents have the same option.
The function is according to BBC Already available for female drivers in 40 countries and for female guests in seven countries – including Spain, Brazil and Saudi Arabia.
Million dollar fine for rape case
In February, a US court fined Uber $8.5 million. This is because a woman said she was hit by an Uber driver on the way to her hotel in 2023 to have been raped in his vehicle. The woman argued that Uber knew about a wave of sexual assaults by its drivers at the time but failed to take basic measures to improve safety.
Uber itself, however, claimed that the company could not be held liable for the crimes of its drivers because they act as independent contractors.
The Arizona court ruling could set the tone for a number of other lawsuits against Uber. The transport agent wants to appeal against this.
Male drivers complain about discrimination
Now Uber is coming under additional pressure from another side: According to the BBC, two Uber drivers from California have accused the company of violating California law with “Uber’s Women Preferences”. This by potentially giving female drivers access to a wider range of passengers.
According to the AP news agency, Uber has filed a request to refer the case to a private arbitration tribunal. The company relies on an agreement that drivers must sign when registering for the app. Uber also denies that its new feature violates applicable law. The so-called Unruh Act prohibits companies from committing gender-based discrimination. Uber argues that an option to choose female drivers or passengers “serves a strong and recognized public interest in improving safety.”
(lak)
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