It was just less than a year ago in June 2018 when the ban on women driving in Saudi Arabia was lifted, and now, Uber is piloting a new feature for their female drivers–giving them the choice to reject men passengers and pick up women riders only. The new feature, called Women Preferred View, will roll out this fall and is available for all female drivers, according to CNN.
In a recent study done by the rideshare company in partnership with marketing research leader Ipsos, findings show that 31 percent of those surveyed indicated that they were interested in driving as an earnings opportunity. In a more recent study, Uber also found that 74 percent of potential women drivers would only be interested in driving other women riders.
“By empowering female entrepreneurs, Uber is proud to provide the same economic opportunities currently enjoyed by male drivers across the Kingdom,” said Pierre Dimitri Gore-Coty, Vice President & Head of Operations for Uber EMEA (Europe, Africa and the Middle East) told Uber Newsroom. “We have partnered with Saudi women to explore how Uber can work for them, and we will continue listening as we build the future of urban mobility in Saudi Arabia together.”
This new piloting program is making headlines at just the right time. Not only is it a win for women in Saudi Arabia, but the U.S. should take note too, since there have been many recent incidents of people portraying Uber drivers and riders getting assaulted or even killed. It was recently reported that Uber will release a safety-transparency report this year, including extensive data of sexual assault claims and other safety concerns.
Top photo: Uber
More from BUST
What It's Like To Be A Trans Woman Of Color Rideshare Driver
This Ride-Share App Provides A Safer Option For Women Getting Home
This 'Uber For Women' App Takes Creeps Out Of Car Services
Gretchen Sterba is an editorial intern for BUST. She recently graduated with a B.A. from Columbia College Chicago with a double major in magazine journalism and creative nonfiction. Her most profound accomplishment is getting a Michael Scott tattoo. Follow her on Instagram at @gretchensterba
