What is Uber's new women-only feature in US, and why is it being challenged in court? Here's eligibility a

Uber has introduced a new feature in the United States allowing women riders and drivers to be matched with each other, aiming to address safety concerns reported by users. This option, available nationwide through the Uber app, allows riders to request women drivers or set a preference for them, while drivers can choose to accept trips from female riders. However, the feature has sparked a class action lawsuit in California, with two Uber drivers claiming it violates laws prohibiting sex discrimination and potentially gives female drivers an unfair advantage. The lawsuit argues the feature reinforces stereotypes about men being more dangerous. Uber defends the feature as supporting public safety goals and has requested the dispute be moved to arbitration.

The feature operates through two main mechanisms: a “Women Drivers” option for riders to directly request a female driver, and a preference setting for riders to increase their chances of being matched with a woman driver. Drivers can also activate a preference to receive trip requests from female riders. Uber initially tested the feature in several cities before its nationwide rollout, and similar options exist in approximately 40 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Canada, and Mexico.

Despite consultations with women’s safety groups and LGBTQ organizations, the feature is currently limited to riders and drivers who identify as women, excluding nonbinary individuals. The eligibility criteria for drivers are based on the gender listed on their driver’s license, which may pose challenges for transgender women depending on state regulations. Uber has faced past safety concerns and numerous reports of sexual assault involving riders and drivers, including a recent $8.5 million jury verdict in a sexual assault case.

(Source：The Economic Times)