Ride-hailing platform Uber will soon launch a feature in Germany that allows women to request female drivers, aiming to improve safety, comfort, and mobility options for women. The new feature will debut in Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich, based on rising demand from users and successful implementation in Paris.
To access the option, women must confirm their gender in the Uber app. They will then be able to select female drivers per ride or set a default preference for female drivers, an exclusive feature currently only available in Germany. Although there’s no extra charge, Uber notes there may be slightly longer wait times due to the smaller number of women drivers.
“This is about giving women more choice, more safety, and more comfort,” said Christoph Weigler, Uber Germany’s head. “We want Uber to be the most convenient mobility platform for women, both riders and drivers.”
The launch comes at a time when Munich has suspended its publicly funded night taxi voucher program for women, which provided discounted taxi rides at night to enhance women’s safety. The program, which had been praised for its effectiveness, was halted due to budget cuts and administrative concerns.
Critics warned that its cancellation removed a vital tool for safe nighttime travel for women in the city. Uber’s new “Women Drivers” feature could serve as an alternative safety solution, offering a similar layer of comfort and control for female riders, without relying on public subsidies.
By leveraging technology to address real-world safety concerns and promote gender-sensitive mobility, Uber is positioning itself as both a transportation provider and a tool for women’s empowerment.
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