Uber has launched a new ride option in South Africa called Women Drivers, allowing female users to specifically request female drivers when booking trips through the app. The feature, which is now live, is designed to address growing concerns about safety and to offer women greater control and peace of mind when using the e-hailing service.
The company said the move was in direct response to rising demand for more inclusive and secure transport options. “Safety is top of mind for many women when they travel,” said Deepesh Thomas, Uber’s General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa. “With Women Drivers, we’re giving them the power of choice — the option to select a female driver.”
Thomas added that while the update is simple from a technical standpoint, it represents a “significant boost in confidence and control” for women navigating cities across South Africa.
Uber said the product is informed by pilot programmes in other global markets, including cities in the United States and France, and has been tailored specifically for South African riders and drivers. The service takes into account unique local concerns around safety, which continue to be a major factor for users choosing between mobility platforms.
The feature is exclusively visible and available to women riders. Uber clarified that men — even if they are accompanying female passengers — cannot use the Women Drivers service. Female drivers also receive full visibility that a ride request comes through the Women Drivers product, allowing them to make informed decisions about whether to accept the trip.
If a driver feels uncomfortable upon pickup — for example, if a male passenger is present — she is allowed to cancel the trip at no charge.
“This gives female drivers more flexibility, especially during high-demand periods, and helps them connect with riders who prefer women behind the wheel,” Uber said. The service is also expected to expand earning potential for women drivers.
The new ride-type integrates with Uber’s existing safety toolkit, including real-time GPS tracking, Share My Trip, RideCheck (which detects unexpected stops), and 24/7 in-app emergency assistance.
Uber did not provide details on how pricing for Women Drivers compares to other ride types like UberGo, UberX, or UberBlack.
The launch comes as Uber attempts to catch up with competitors who have already introduced women-focused ride options in South Africa. Bolt, for instance, debuted its Women Only category back in 2021, and by September 2025 had expanded it to 12 cities, including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, and Pretoria.
Local startups have also been leading the charge. Kgosigadi Rides exclusively employs female drivers and caters only to women passengers. Pretoria-based Wanatu allows riders to choose their preferred drivers, including options for women drivers.
The increased demand for women-focused ride services follows growing concerns about safety in the e-hailing industry. In recent years, there have been multiple reports of assault, theft, and harassment involving e-hailing drivers.
In response, South Africa’s Department of Transport has introduced new regulations aimed at increasing passenger safety. These include mandatory operating permits for e-hailing drivers, visible branding on vehicles, and requirements for panic buttons that connect directly to emergency services.
Thomas said the introduction of Women Drivers is part of a broader strategy by Uber to “think differently about mobility” in South Africa. “We’re innovating not just with technology, but with solutions that respond to the real needs of our users,” he said.
With competition heating up and safety remaining a key concern, Uber’s move to introduce a women-only ride option could prove critical in regaining trust and expanding its footprint in a rapidly evolving e-hailing landscape.
Main Image: Stuff South Africa
