Female and nonbinary Lyft drivers now have more control over who they choose to ride with.
The rideshare company on Tuesday unveiled its new Women+ Connect feature, which prioritizes matching men with other women and nonbinary riders nearby.
It’s not just drivers who have a say in who they get matched with — the company said riders will also be allowed to join the service.
“Women+ Connect is about giving more women and non-binary people the opportunity to earn money on their terms and giving riders more choices,” said David Risher, CEO of Lyft.
Lyft says about 25% of all drivers are women, meaning those who opt for the service may not always be matched with a person of the same gender. However, the company says that their priority will be given priority.
The new feature has been praised by law enforcement and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
“This is a great feature that can make a significant difference in the way women use and view rideshare,” said Kim Craven, executive director of the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives.
This feature will first launch in Chicago, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco and San Jose. Lyft said it plans to introduce the program in more cities in the near future.