Uber dials up safety for women drivers with 'Women Rider Preference'

Uber, Sri Lanka’s leading ride-hailing app, today launched the Women Rider Preference feature, a move designed to enhance safety and encourage more women to drive on the platform. This tech-enabled feature gives female drivers the choice to receive trip requests only from women riders – a flexibility many have asked for, particularly when driving at night or in unfamiliar areas.

The feature is available across cars, Tuks, and bikes in Sri Lanka and is part of Uber’s ongoing commitment to expanding safe and flexible earning opportunities for women. Drivers can toggle the setting on or off at any time, giving them full control over when they want to use it. This feature will help them take more trips, drive for longer hours, and potentially boost their earnings.

Congratulating Uber on the feature launch, Hon. (Eng.) Eranga Weeraratne, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, said, “The launch of Uber’s Women Rider Preference feature in Sri Lanka is a commendable step toward building a safer and more inclusive digital transport ecosystem. By giving female driver-partners greater choice and control, this initiative directly supports our national vision of leveraging technology to create equitable opportunities—particularly for women. It reflects how innovation can be a powerful force for social progress, with Uber leading with purpose and driving meaningful impact through inclusive mobility solutions.”

Kaushalya Gunaratne, Country Manager - Mobility, Uber Sri Lanka, said: “This feature was built in response to what women drivers told us they needed to feel more comfortable and confident behind the wheel. We’ve heard from many female drivers who want to work more hours — especially during evenings — but hesitate due to safety concerns. Women Rider Preference gives them more control over their experience and helps unlock greater earning potential on their terms.”

Globally, Women Rider Preference is now live in over 20+ countries across five continents, including Australia, India, South Africa, and parts of Latin America and Eastern Europe.

How Women Rider Preference Works:

• Accessible via the Uber Driver app for those who identify as women

• Drivers can toggle the feature on or off at any time, offering flexibility based on their comfort and schedule

• While the feature aims to connect women drivers with women riders, Uber acknowledges that matches may not always align perfectly due to various factors

With this launch, Uber hopes to make driving a more viable option for Sri Lankan women looking for flexible ways to earn, while strengthening safety and trust on the platform.