Uber has launched a new option for women passengers in Paris that allows users to request a female driver. The service, called 'Uber by Women', aims to offer added security for female riders at no extra cost.
About 1,500 women drivers in Paris will be available to take female passengers through the new service option launched Thursday, Uber said in a press release.
However, waiting times are expected to be longer than standard rides due to the limited number of women drivers. They could average 15 minutes compared to just four minutes for regular Uber rides.
"With Uber by Women, we are taking concrete steps to offer more choice to women and bring more peace of mind to those who need it during their journeys," said director of Uber France Laureline Serieys.
Driver incentives
To attract more women to the platform, Uber will offer female drivers a "substantial reduction" in the fees it charges for each ride. The company hopes this will help increase the number of women working as drivers while improving security for passengers.
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"I am convinced that the flexibility, independence and ability to generate income that Uber offers are particularly well-suited to many women's lifestyles," Serieys said.
How it works
The option is available exclusively to female passengers. Uber said reminders about this rule will be displayed in the app, and female drivers can cancel a ride without penalties if a male rider tries to use the service.
If no female drivers are available within a reasonable timeframe, the option will not appear on the app for passengers.
The service has already been introduced in several European countries including Poland and the Czech Republic.
It comes days after Uber launched another feature allowing parents to track teenage passengers' journeys in real time using PIN verification.
