Uber expands women-only ride feature to San Diego

• Uber cited 2,717 cases of sexual assault and misconduct between 2021 and 2022 in its August 2024 U.S. safety report.

Driving the news: Uber's "Women Preferences" tool — first piloted in three U.S. cities this summer — is designed to give riders and drivers the option to be matched with other women for trips.

• It expanded to 26 new cities this week.

The big picture: Uber's move mirrors Lyft's "Women+ Connect" program, which launched locally in 2023.

How it works: Women riders can choose "Women Drivers" when requesting a ride, reserve women drivers in advance and set a permanent preference for women drivers.

• Women drivers can toggle on "Women Rider Preference," which allows them to receive requests only from women.

Friction point: Male drivers in California are suing Uber and Lyft for sex discrimination over these features, saying it limits their earning opportunities.

💭 Kate's thought bubble: I've had Lyft's Women+ Connect preference on since it launched, and it offers a subtle sense of safety, especially when riding alone.