Uber introduced a women-only ride service in Paris on Thursday, offering female passengers the opportunity to travel with women drivers.
The new feature, called “Uber by Women,” is designed to provide a safer and more comfortable experience for women riders, Uber France announced in a press release.
A Step Toward Women’s Safety
The initiative will see approximately 1,500 women drivers operating in the French capital. However, waiting times for these rides are expected to be longer compared to regular Uber rides.
Uber estimates that while standard rides have an average wait time of four minutes, users of the women-only service may wait up to 15 minutes due to the limited number of female drivers currently available.
“With Uber by Women, we are taking concrete steps to offer more choice to women and bring more peace of mind to those who need it during their journeys,” said Laureline Serieys, director of Uber France.
This initiative aligns with broader efforts in France to address safety concerns for women, coming shortly after the government announced new measures to combat violence against women.
Encouraging Female Drivers
To attract more women to join the platform as drivers, Uber is offering significant financial incentives. Female drivers who opt into the program will benefit from a “substantial reduction” in the platform fees charged per ride.
Uber hopes these measures will not only enhance security for female passengers but also encourage women to pursue the flexible earning opportunities the platform provides.
“I am convinced that the flexibility, independence, and ability to generate income that Uber offers are particularly well-suited to many women’s lifestyles,” Serieys added.
Exclusivity for Female Passengers
The service is available exclusively to female passengers, with the app displaying clear reminders of this restriction. Female drivers have the right to cancel rides without penalties if a male passenger attempts to book the service.
If no female drivers are available in a reasonable timeframe, the option will not appear on the app, ensuring that the program remains dedicated to its intended audience.
Expanding Across Europe
The Paris launch follows successful rollouts of the women-only service in several other European countries, including Poland and the Czech Republic. This expansion signals Uber’s commitment to providing more tailored services across diverse markets.
Additional Safety Features
The launch of “Uber by Women” comes just days after the introduction of another feature aimed at enhancing passenger security.
The new option allows parents to monitor teenage passengers’ journeys in real time using PIN verification, reflecting the company’s broader strategy to prioritize safety and trust.
As Uber continues to innovate in response to safety concerns, the women-only service marks a significant move toward addressing long-standing issues for female passengers and drivers.
The company hopes that by fostering a secure environment, it will empower more women to utilize the platform both as riders and drivers.
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