Salt Lake City launches new Lyft feature for women and nonbinary users

How it works: Women and nonbinary users can opt into the feature and set up their ride preferences via the app.

Of note: A ride with a woman or nonbinary driver is not guaranteed.

• If no women or nonbinary drivers are nearby, you'll be matched with a man.

Why it matters: The preference feature can lead to a more comfortable ride for women and nonbinary people.

• The company has faced criticism for not doing enough to protect drivers and riders from sexual assault and harassment.
• Between 2017 and 2019, Lyft received over 4,000 reports of sexual assault of passengers and drivers on its platform in the U.S., per a safety report the company released in 2021.

Between the lines: Women make up about half of all passengers on the service, but just 23% are Lyft drivers.