Uber’s New Feature: Too Little, Too Late?

A crowded parking lot filled with cars near a border crossing

What if you could choose your Uber driver, and they happened to be the same gender as you? For many women, this could be a game-changer in ride safety.

At a Glance

Uber introduces a new feature allowing women to select female drivers.
Thousands of sexual assault lawsuits have been filed against Uber.
Critics argue Uber’s safety measures have been historically inadequate.
Ongoing legal and regulatory pressures may force Uber to implement more stringent safety protocols.

Uber’s New Feature: A Step Towards Safer Rides

Uber has announced a feature that allows women to select female drivers, a move aimed at enhancing safety amid an ongoing crisis of sexual assault allegations. The company has been under intense scrutiny with thousands of lawsuits filed, alleging assaults by its drivers. This feature could be a pivotal change, especially after Uber’s US Safety Report revealed 2,717 sexual assault cases from 2019-2020 alone. Uber’s decentralized model has made comprehensive driver vetting challenging, underscoring the importance of such initiatives.

The feature is part of Uber’s broader efforts to rebuild trust and ensure passenger safety. While it seems like a promising step, critics argue it’s long overdue. Uber’s rapid expansion often prioritized growth over safety, leaving many to question why such measures weren’t implemented sooner. The hope is that this feature will reduce the risk of assaults, particularly for women who make up the majority of the victims.

Background: A Long Road to Safety

Founded in 2009, Uber quickly became a household name, revolutionizing transportation. However, as early as 2014, reports of sexual assaults by drivers began to emerge, highlighting glaring inadequacies in Uber’s vetting processes. By 2018, a CNN investigation had brought national attention to the issue, prompting Uber to release its first US Safety Report in 2019. The report disclosed nearly 6,000 assault allegations over two years, sparking a wave of legal actions. Despite subsequent safety updates, thousands of incidents continue to surface each year.

The lawsuits against Uber have surged, with 2,380 cases filed by July 2025, and most remain pending. Background check companies have been subpoenaed for driver records, but privacy laws have complicated access. The pressure for Uber to adopt more robust safety measures, like biometric background checks or in-car cameras, has intensified, yet changes have been incremental at best.

The Stakeholders: Who’s Who in the Uber Saga

Leading the charge for change are the plaintiffs and their attorneys, who seek justice and systemic reform. They argue that Uber knowingly endangered riders by prioritizing expansion over safety. On the other side, Uber’s executive team is grappling with maintaining market dominance while addressing these serious allegations. Background check firms, like Checkr and Accurate Background, play a crucial role in the vetting process but face scrutiny over their compliance with legal standards.

Regulators and law enforcement also have a stake, overseeing rideshare safety and investigating complaints. They have the power to impose fines, mandate reforms, or even restrict Uber’s operations. Meanwhile, advocacy groups and the media continue to pressure Uber, shaping public perception and pushing for improvements.

Impact and Future Implications

The impact of Uber’s ongoing legal battles is significant. Financially, the company faces substantial settlement payouts, averaging $330,000 per case, with some reaching as high as $800,000. These costs, coupled with potential regulatory actions, threaten Uber’s stability and market share. Public trust in rideshare safety is eroding, possibly leading to decreased ridership and affecting urban mobility.

The broader gig economy isn’t immune to these challenges. As questions about worker vetting and platform liability grow, the entire sector could face heightened scrutiny and regulatory changes. Uber’s introduction of the female driver preference feature is a step in the right direction, but it highlights the urgent need for comprehensive safety reforms across the industry.