- Uber is expanding its offerings and introducing a feature in several countries allowing riders to choose drivers of the same gender.
- Uber Switzerland “hopes” to introduce the feature here at some point.
- Currently, there are not enough female drivers – the taxi association confirms that only around 1.5 percent of drivers in Zurich are women.
- Many young women would welcome such an option.
Zurich is considering ways to address passenger safety concerns, particularly among women, as ride-sharing services develop into increasingly prevalent. Uber is rolling out a new feature allowing riders to request female drivers in select countries, a move prompted by demand for increased comfort and security. The development comes as local taxi associations grapple with a surge in drivers and reports of price gouging.
Several women have recounted unsettling experiences with taxi and Uber drivers, including unwanted advances and inappropriate questioning. One woman, identified as C.S., described a ride after a night out where a driver began asking personal questions and sharing details of past encounters after her friend exited the vehicle. She quickly left the car when she reached her destination. Similar accounts have been shared with local media.
New Uber Feature: Women Driving Women
Uber has responded to these concerns by expanding its service to allow riders to select a female driver. The “Women Preference” option is now available in the app in over 40 countries for drivers and currently in seven – including the United States, Brazil, Germany, France, Portugal, Spain, and Saudi Arabia – for passengers. While not a guarantee, the setting increases the likelihood of being matched with a female driver, according to a company statement.
Uber says it “hopes” to introduce the feature in Switzerland soon, but a specific timeline has not been announced.
“We Hope to Introduce the Offer Soon in Switzerland”
“In the countries where we have launched the ‘Uber by Women’ option, the offer has gotten off to a successful start,” an Uber spokesperson told 20 Minuten.
However, the company acknowledged that a shortage of female drivers could pose a challenge to implementation. Uber declined to disclose the number of female drivers it currently employs in Switzerland.
The Zurich Taxi Association confirmed that women make up only around 1.5 percent of the roughly 6,000 professional taxi drivers in the city – approximately 90 people. Uber reported that about one-fifth of its drivers in the United States are women, with the percentage varying by city. Currently, the Taxi Association says there is no explicit demand from customers for female drivers.
Young women interviewed on the streets of Zurich generally expressed support for the new feature. “If I’m coming home from a night out, maybe a little drunk, I would definitely experience more comfortable with a female driver,” said Anna, 22. Her friends, Mia and Nina, agreed.
“I haven’t had a bad experience myself,” said Carmen, 34, “but I did have a negative experience with a female driver once – she seemed to be under the influence.” She added that she has too had very pleasant rides with male drivers who were particularly considerate.
However, Marine and Maria, both 25, said that price and wait times are their primary concerns when ordering a ride.
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Melissa Greiter (mgr) arbeitet seit 2024 für 20 Minuten. Sie ist seit Februar 2025 Redaktorin im Ressort News, Wirtschaft und Videoreportagen.
