Lyft's Women+ Feature Used 7M Times Since 2024 Launch

For women taking late-night rideshares, a simple feature is making all the difference in how safe they feel getting home.

Lyft's Women+ Connect feature launched in February 2024, giving women, transgender, and non-binary riders the option to select a gender preference when requesting a driver. Since then, over 7 million riders have used it across the country as the feature continues its nationwide rollout.

The feature builds on Lyft's growing safety toolkit. The app already includes a one-click 911 button and sends automatic check-in messages if a driver veers off course. Women+ Connect addresses a specific concern many riders face: feeling vulnerable during late-night trips.

Gaddy Rodas, a Florida-based Lyft driver, sees the impact firsthand during her midnight pickups. "I know there's going to be women calling a Lyft, and they will feel more comfortable if a female driver is there," she told Lyft. Her passengers often express immediate relief when they see her arrive.

The feature stands out for another reason. It explicitly includes transgender and non-binary riders at a time when many companies are pulling back from inclusive policies. "Lyft is rolling out an inclusive product at a time when so many companies are shying away from explicit inclusion of transgender and nonbinary people," said Jay Brown, chief of staff for the Human Rights Campaign.

Why This Inspires

This isn't just about safety technology. It's about a company listening to what riders actually need and creating a solution that works for everyone. When 7 million people choose to use a feature, it proves the demand was real.

Female drivers like Rodas now have more opportunities to connect with passengers who specifically want their services. Riders get peace of mind. And the rideshare experience becomes better for everyone when people feel safer.

The success of Women+ Connect shows that inclusive safety features aren't just the right thing to do—they're what riders want.