Rideshare company Lyft launched Women+ Connect, a new preference feature that prioritizes matches between women and nonbinary drivers and riders, in Phoenix. . The feature has been highly requested over the years by women wanting to have safer rideshare experiences. This preference can be turned on within the app by women and nonbinary riders.
In addition to Phoenix, Women+ Connect rolled out early access in Chicago, San Diego, San Francisco and San Jose. While the feature aims to match more women drivers and riders, riders won’t be exclusively matched with women. The app will still assign male drivers if no Women+ rides are available.
“Women+ Connect is all about providing more women and nonbinary people the opportunity to earn money on their terms and giving riders more choice,” said Lyft CEO David Risher. “We hope this gives millions of drivers and riders another reason to choose Lyft.”
According to Lyft, 57% of women Lyft drivers say they drive to provide supplemental income to their household. Of these, 90% say the app-based work allows them to earn money while pursuing something else, such as going to school or starting a business. Lyft drivers earn an average of $36 an hour including tips. The Women+ Connect feature will further enable women drivers to increase earnings while making connections with other women in their communities.
“We’re constantly working to make Lyft better for riders and drivers,” the company said on the Women+ Connect launch. With features like Wait & Save, scheduled rides and Upfront Pay, Lyft is always aiming to improve experiences for riders and drivers alike.
For more information about Women+ Connect and upcoming Lyft features, visit lyft.com.
Photos courtesy Lyft
