In a city where you sometimes come home late (hello Solfé, hello evening returns), the question of a “safe” ride isn’t just a detail. This new option arrives with a simple goal: to offer more choices to women and give drivers more control.
So, how does it work in practice?
In the Uber app, a new option appears in the dropdown menu: Uber by Women. By selecting it, rides are offered only to female drivers. This feature is based on a system using first names and is only visible to female passengers. If you don’t see the option, it simply means that no female drivers are available in your area at that time.
Another important point: female drivers can also choose to connect only with female passengers. It’s a way for them to have more control over their trips and work environment.
il.About forty female drivers in Lille (to start with)
In Lille, around forty female drivers are currently listed on the platform. That’s great news, but it also means a practical detail: the wait time might be longer than for a classic ride. We’re talking about an average of 15 minutes, compared to 4 minutes for a standard UberX ride. It makes sense: the number of female drivers is still limited.
In Paris, where the service was launched at the end of 2024, over 150,000 rides have already been completed. According to Uber, 85% of the female drivers surveyed feel that this option enhances their satisfaction and sense of security. This justifies the expansion to 12 French cities, including Lille.
A response to a real need
Let’s not beat around the bush: many women are still hesitant to book a ride alone, especially late in the evening. Stories of discomfort, lingering looks, inappropriate comments… these accounts are out there. With Uber by Women, the platform aims to address this.; respond to this reality, while encouraging the feminization of the VTC driver profession. Because today, the profession is still largely male-dominated. The service is available 24/7, just like the other options. You can also request a ride for a friend or a colleague.
And what about the price ?
No specific extra cost announced : the fare varies according to the usual criteria (distance, demand, time). This is therefore not a “premium service”, but an additional option within the Uber ecosystem in Lille.