Lyft connects women, nonbinary drivers, and riders
Lyft’s new “Women+ Connect” feature in the US will prioritise matching women and nonbinary drivers and riders in an effort to make people feel safer using the service.
Why it matters: Advocates have long questioned the safety of ride-hailing for vulnerable groups.
4,158 sexual assaults and 10 fatal physical assaults of Lyft passengers and drivers were recorded between 2017 and 2019 in the US.
How it works: Women and nonbinary drivers will be able to activate a preference to match with other nearby women and nonbinary riders.
If none are available, drivers will be matched with men, according to Lyft.
Women and nonbinary riders in cities where Women+ Connect is available will be prompted in the app to participate.
State of play: Lyft rolled out the feature this week in Chicago, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, and San Jose, with plans to quickly expand nationwide.
