Can You Request a Female Driver With Uber?

For many, ridesharing apps like Uber have become a go-to for getting around. They offer convenience right at your fingertips. However, along with that convenience, a very serious question has emerged, especially for women: "Can you request a female driver with Uber?" It’s a question born from a real and unsettling truth.

While Uber and Lyft aim to provide safe transportation, reports have shown that thousands of serious safety incidents, including sexual assaults, have occurred on their platforms. Even one incident is too many, and these experiences can leave survivors feeling vulnerable and hesitant about using these services again.

At Levin Simes, we understand these concerns deeply. We serve as lead counsel in rideshare sexual assault litigations, fighting for survivors nationwide. Our firm has secured settlements for over 500 survivors and counting, paving the way in the fight against injustice. 

If you or someone you know has experienced an unsafe incident during a rideshare, please know you're not alone, and our women-led firm is here to help. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation by calling (415) 426-3000 or filling out our online form.

The Startling Truth Behind Uber Sexual Assaults

There have been unsettling reports of sexual assault involving Uber. These aren't just isolated incidents. 

Here's a look at the reported numbers:

• 2017-2018 Safety Report: Uber documented 5,981 total reports of sexual violence or assault allegations.
  
  • In 2017 alone, there were 229 reports of rape.
  • In 2018, there were 235 reports of rape.
• 2019-2020 Safety Report: Uber received 3,824 reports across the five most severe categories of sexual assault and misconduct.
• 2021-2022 Safety Report: Uber documented 2,717 total reports of sexual assault and misconduct.
  
  • Out of these, 355 reports involved rape.
  • 1,401 reports involved non-consensual touching of a sexual body part.

Given this troubling data, it’s no wonder that one of the most common questions we hear from concerned riders is, "Can you request a female driver with Uber?" 

Can You Request A Female Uber Driver?

Unfortunately, the direct answer for passengers using Uber (and most standard rideshare services) is no, you cannot request a female driver with Uber in the way you might choose a specific car type or service level.

Uber's system is built on efficiency. When you request a ride, the app aims to connect you with the closest available driver as quickly as possible to get you where you need to go without long waits. This matching process is automated and doesn't factor in the driver's gender. There are also legal considerations around discrimination that rideshare companies must navigate; allowing passengers to select drivers based on gender could lead to legal challenges.

It's important to understand that while a rider can't specifically ask for a female driver, Uber does have a "Women Rider Preference" feature for drivers. This feature allows women and non-binary drivers to set a preference for picking up women riders. 

However, this is a preference for the driver, not a guarantee for the rider. Even if a driver has this setting on, Uber cannot promise that every matched rider will be a woman. If a driver with this preference is matched with someone they believe to be a male rider, they can cancel the trip without penalty.

So, while the desire to ride with a female driver is completely understandable and rooted in genuine safety concerns, the Uber app as a passenger doesn't provide a direct option for you to choose a driver based on their gender.

The company has repeatedly fallen short on truly safeguarding riders, creating an environment where sexual assaults can occur. Despite attempts to downplay the frequency of these horrific incidents by comparing them to their vast number of trips, the reality is inescapable: over 12,500 sexual assault complaints were reported to Uber between 2017 and 2022.

We believe that companies like Uber must be held accountable when their safety precautions fail. If you are wondering whether you qualify for an Uber sexual assault lawsuit, call Levin Simes today at (415) 426-3000 or fill out our confidential online form.

Female-Only Driver Service Outside of Uber

For those who prefer not to take chances with Uber or similar services that don't allow gender-specific driver selection, there are companies emerging that prioritize female-only driver service. 

These companies aim to provide an extra layer of comfort and security by exclusively employing female drivers or primarily matching female passengers with female drivers. Some examples of such services that have emerged to address this need include:

• SheSafe (which will be launching in the United States in 2026)
• Safr
• HERide / Just Her Rideshare
• Sheba (only available in Australia)
• See Jane Go (only available in Australia)

It's worth noting that the availability of these female-only rideshare services can vary by location, so it's a good idea to check if they operate in your area

Levin Simes Stands By Survivors and Calls for Improved Safety Standards in Uber

While the option to specifically request a female Uber driver isn't available through the standard Uber app, it's clear why so many individuals, particularly women, wish it were. The documented instances of rideshare sexual assault highlight a genuine need for heightened safety measures.

In the meantime, other services are emerging that offer a female-only driver service, providing a valuable alternative for those who prioritize this option. 

At Levin Simes, we are dedicated to advocating for survivors of rideshare sexual assault. As a majority women-owned and women-managed personal injury law firm, we are on the front lines of the Uber and Lyft Sexual Assault litigations, fighting for survivors nationwide. 

We have secured settlements for over 500 survivors and counting, paving the way in the fight against injustice. If you have been harmed, we are here to listen and help you understand your legal options. Don't hesitate to reach out for a free and confidential consultation at (415) 426-3000 or online.