The two rival ride-hailing platforms have announced options allowing Parisians to order a car driven by a female driver in a bid to ensure “greater safety” for their customers.
The “Uber by women” option, available from November 28, comes at no extra cost but with potentially longer wait times, AFP reported.
Uber has launched a similar scheme in other European countries as the company faces a spate of sexual assault or harassment claims against its drivers.
The change will ensure “greater safety” for female customers, Uber said. It already has about 1,500 female drivers in Paris.
There is a reminder in the app that the option is for women only and drivers can refuse if a man tries to use it.
“Wait times... may be longer than with other options – an average of 15 minutes compared to four minutes” for a standard order, Uber noted.
But the ride-hailing company also hopes the change will attract more female drivers by offering them a “significant reduction” in the fees charged for each trip.
“Uber by Women” is “a great way to increase the attractiveness of the profession of passenger transport for women who would otherwise not consider it,” said Laureline Serries, head of Uber in France.
European competitor Bolt also announced the launch of a similar option in France, called “Women for Women.” It will be introduced by the end of 2024.
“It is essential to ensure the safety of all women who use passenger transport services,” said Julien Mouyquet, director of Bolt France.
“The “Women for Women” category embodies this commitment by meeting the safety expectations of female users while protecting female drivers,” he added. | BGNES
