Lyft to offer option for female drivers
Lyft to offer option for female drivers
Lyft Introduces Women Plus Connect: A Safer and More Inclusive Rideshare Experience
In an effort to create a safe and welcoming environment for women and nonbinary individuals, Lyft has announced the launch of a new feature called Women Plus Connect. This opt-in preference-based feature matches drivers with riders of a preferred gender, allowing for a more comfortable and secure rideshare experience.
The Women Plus Connect feature is designed to prioritize and identify women and nonbinary riders. Drivers can easily toggle the feature on or off in the app’s driver preferences section, while riders will be prompted to indicate their preference by selecting “Count me in” or “No thanks” when prompted. Riders can also update their profile with their gender selection for added convenience.
Initially, the feature will only be available for Lyft drivers but will expand to passengers and more cities in the coming months. The launch cities include Chicago, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, and San Jose, ensuring a wider reach of this inclusive service.
It is important to note that the Women Plus Connect feature is not guaranteed. In cases where there are no customers of the preferred gender available in the area, drivers and passengers may still be connected with individuals of another gender. Nevertheless, Lyft aims to continually improve safety and inclusivity on its platform and has collaborated with organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign and the National Sheriffs’ Association in the development of this feature.
Lyft CEO David Risher expressed the company’s mission behind Women Plus Connect, stating, “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 rideshare industry as a whole has seen significant advancements in safety measures over the past few years. In response to increasing concerns about safety for both drivers and passengers, companies like Uber have introduced features such as seatbelt alerts, Live Help, and the ability to record audio during rides. Lyft, on the other hand, implemented a 911 panic button and check-in feature in 2019 to combat crime and sexual assault.
In addition to these broader safety measures, there are also rideshare apps specifically catering to children or women. Companies like HopSkipDrive and Just Her offer additional layers of security and peace of mind for those who require it.
These safety improvements have come as a response to numerous allegations of assault and sexual misconduct within rideshare vehicles, some of which have tragically resulted in fatalities. Both Lyft and Uber have faced lawsuits and fines as a result of these incidents, prompting a renewed focus on creating a safer environment for all.
If you are interested in setting up your preferences for Women Plus Connect, Lyft provides a comprehensive FAQ guide to assist you. Additionally, be sure to explore our coverage on Lyft’s driverless robotaxis and Uber’s options for parents, as these companies continue to innovate and enhance the rideshare experience for all users.
Lyft is taking a step in the right direction by introducing Women Plus Connect. By prioritizing the safety and comfort of women and nonbinary users, Lyft is not only improving the rideshare experience but also demonstrating their commitment to inclusivity and choice. With this new feature, Lyft hopes to set a precedent for other companies in the industry to follow, ensuring that everyone can feel safe and welcome when using rideshare services.
