Why this story matters: Data-driven progress often moves at a pace that is too slow for breaking news, but its impact is far more permanent. This story takes a closer look at a long-term success that is finally reaching a major, positive milestone.
Quick summary: This story highlights recent developments related to driver, showing how constructive action can lead to meaningful results.
Since 2018, Uber and Lyft have committed to disclosing transparency reports regarding incidents of sexual harassment, physical altercation, and — most gravely — fatality. As rideshare apps began to rival taxi cabs and public transportation, passengers called for greater accountability and oversight.
Fortunately for Lyft, transparency reporting was simply a first step toward a larger commitment to passenger safety. In addition to making “911” a button click away, the app also sends a check-in message to the rider if their driver starts veering off the scheduled course.
In February 2024, the rideshare app also launched the optional Women+ Connect feature, which enables women — cisgender, transgender, and non-binary — to select a gender preference for a prospective driver. Over the last two years, the feature has continued to roll out at regions across the country.
“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,” Jay Brown, chief of staff for the Human Rights Campaign, said in a press statement. “When rideshare is better for these folks, it's better for everyone, and we at HRC stand behind that.”

Since the rollout, over 7 million riders have used the feature. Gaddy Rodas, a Lyft driver based in Florida, has enjoyed the opportunity to make female passengers feel safer, especially when she does 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,” Rodas told Lyft. “They’re like, ‘That makes me feel so much better.’”
A version of this article originally appeared in the 2024 Pride Edition of the Goodnewspaper
Header image via Gustavo Fring / Pexels
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