Lyft introduces safety feature for women and nonbinary users
Lyft introduces safety feature for women and nonbinary users
Lyft Introduces Women Plus Connect: Making Ride-Hailing Safer and More Inclusive
Ride-hailing giant Lyft is taking a step towards creating a safer and more comfortable experience for women and nonbinary users with the introduction of Women Plus Connect. This new opt-in feature is designed to match women and nonbinary riders with drivers of the same gender, providing an added layer of security and inclusivity.
To activate Women Plus Connect, female and nonbinary drivers can simply toggle the feature on or off in the driver preferences section of the app. On the other hand, women and nonbinary riders will be presented with a prompt that gives them the option to participate or decline. As of now, the feature is only available in select cities, including Chicago, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, and San Jose, but Lyft plans to expand its coverage to more cities in the near future. The company is also allowing users in these initial cities to update their gender information within the app.
It’s important to note that Women Plus Connect is not a guarantee but rather a preference-based feature. In situations where there is a lack of availability of women or nonbinary drivers in a given area, riders may still be matched with male drivers. Nevertheless, Lyft’s collaboration with organizations like the Human Rights Campaign and the National Sheriffs’ Association underscores their commitment to enhancing safety and inclusivity within the platform.
Lyft CEO David Risher emphasizes the importance of Women Plus Connect as a means of empowering women and nonbinary individuals. Risher states, “Women+ Connect is all about providing more women and nonbinary people the opportunity to earn money on their terms and giving riders more choice. We hope this gives millions of drivers and riders another reason to choose Lyft.”
The introduction of Women Plus Connect comes as part of a broader effort within the ride-hailing industry to prioritize safety. Competitor Uber, for instance, has implemented measures such as seatbelt alerts, a live help feature connecting users with safety agents, and the ability to record audio during rides. Lyft, on the other hand, introduced a panic button and check-in feature in 2019 to help deter crime and sexual assault.
The need for enhanced safety measures in ride-hailing services stems from numerous allegations of assault and sexual assault in vehicles, some of which have resulted in tragic outcomes. This has led to lawsuits and fines for both Lyft and Uber. In response to these concerns, niche ride-hailing apps like HopSkipDrive and Just Her Rideshare have emerged, catering specifically to children and women.
If you’re interested in learning more about Lyft’s Women Plus Connect feature and how to set up your preferences, Lyft’s FAQ section provides detailed information. And while you’re at it, don’t miss our coverage on Lyft’s driverless robotaxis and Uber’s various options for parents.
With Women Plus Connect, Lyft takes a significant step towards creating a safer and more inclusive ride-hailing experience. By giving women and nonbinary riders the option to be matched with drivers of the same gender, Lyft not only prioritizes safety but also empowers women and nonbinary individuals. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s encouraging to see companies taking proactive measures to address the concerns of their diverse user base.
