Uber launches women-only rides in South Africa to boost safety and trust

Uber has launched a women-only ride option in South Africa, giving female riders the ability to choose female drivers, a move aimed at boosting safety and trust in a country where gender-based violence and safety concerns remain high.

“Safety is top of mind for many women when they travel. With Women Drivers, we’re giving them the power of choice,” said Deepesh Thomas, Uber’s general manager for Sub-Saharan Africa. “It’s a simple update in the app, but one that delivers confidence, peace of mind, and control over how they move through their cities.”

The new “Women Drivers” option is visible only to female users of the Uber app. If selected, the trip will be matched with a female driver. Male companions are not allowed under the feature, and drivers have the right to cancel without penalty if they feel unsafe.

Uber said the service builds on testing in France and the United States, but has been adapted to local needs. “South African riders gain choice and peace of mind, while female drivers can grow their earnings with flexibility to accept women-only rides,” the company said.

A growing market for safer rides

Uber is not the first to launch women-only services in South Africa. Rival Bolt introduced “Women Only” in 2021, now running in 12 major cities including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban. Local startups like Kgosigadi Rides and Pretoria-based Wanatu have also developed female-focused options, underscoring demand for safer, inclusive mobility solutions.

The move comes amid rising safety concerns around ride-hailing in South Africa. Reports of female riders being robbed or attacked have grown, while drivers face risks from criminals posing as passengers.

In response, the Department of Transport recently mandated e-hailing drivers to obtain new permits, install panic buttons, and brand their vehicles. But industry groups warn the branding could make drivers easier targets for violence from minibus taxi operators, who have clashed with e-hailing firms over competition.

Uber said its Women Drivers product is backed by its existing safety tools, including GPS tracking, “Share My Trip” features, and 24/7 emergency support. Pricing details compared to UberGo or UberX have not yet been disclosed.

“This is not just technology. It is a solution to real problems women face daily in mobility,” Thomas said.

Read more on Uber, Bolt lose rider trust in South Africa over safety and service issues