In a step toward inclusivity, Lyft has rolled out a brand new feature; Women+ Connect.
The service aims to boost the confidence and comfort of women and nonbinary people on its platform. While women make up almost half of Lyft riders, they constitute just 23% of drivers, according to a recent Lyft survey.
This new feature is designed to increase this number by offering a more controlled and comfortable driving experience.
“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 in a press release for the feature. With the advent of Women+ Connect, Lyft has set its sights on changing these statistics and enhancing the overall rideshare experience for both drivers and riders.
How Does Women+ Connect Work?
The innovative feature allows women and nonbinary drivers to choose to match with women and nonbinary riders. A preference setting within the Lyft app makes this possible. It's important to note, however, that the feature serves as a preference rather than a guarantee. If there are no women or nonbinary riders nearby, the driver with this preference activated will still match with a male driver.
When the feature launches in a city, women and nonbinary riders will receive a prompt in their Lyft app, encouraging them to opt into Women+ Connect. This would heighten their chances of matching with women and nonbinary drivers.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Women drivers are already praising the move. Skye C., a 5-star driver with over 4,000 rides, lauded the initiative saying: "I think it would be great to see more of us out here, hustling. It creates camaraderie and unity."
Maria V., another driver with almost 1,000 rides, feels that the feature establishes "a mutual understanding, like 'girl code.'"
Mimi F., who has provided 20,000 rides in the past decade, added: "Women+ Connect gives me an extra added layer of confidence when I want it, so that I can keep driving whenever it works for me."
Experts in various fields have also thrown their weight behind this feature. Jay Brown of the Human Rights Campaign applauded Lyft, saying: "Lyft is rolling out an inclusive product at a time when so many companies are shying away from explicit inclusion of transgender and non-binary people."
Launching in Select Cities
The feature is set to debut in early-access cities like Chicago, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, and San Jose. But Lyft promises a broader rollout soon, ensuring customers in each city have a seamless experience.
More Than Just a Rideshare Platform
Lyft is doing more than just rides; it’s creating opportunities. On the platform, 57% of women drivers say they use the earnings as supplemental income, while 98% appreciate the freedom and flexibility it offers. Another 90% use it as a means to earn money while pursuing other goals.
This is a game-changing moment in the rideshare industry, offering riders and drivers alike a sense of empowerment, choice, and community. If you're considering taking a Lyft ride or getting behind the wheel, now's the time to download the latest app version. Women+ Connect might just be the feature that takes your Lyft experience to the next level.
To learn more about Women+ Connect, visit Lyft's dedicated page.
