MIAMI — It’s no secret that rideshare company Uber has struggled to keep its female drivers and passengers safe.

Uber has since devised a pilot program designed to make everyone feel secure.

This weekend, Uber announced that program, the Women Preferences feature on its app, has rolled into South Florida.

“We’re committed to expanding this feature until every woman in America has access, whether she’s riding or driving,” said Uber VP of Operations Camiel Irving.

It allows women riders, women drivers and now teenagers to have the option to be matched with women on Uber trips.

“It kind of gives me another layer of safety, I feel like,” said Elise Zur. “You never know what you’re getting into when you’re getting into a car.”

When requesting a trip, women riders will see an option called ‘Women Drivers’ to click on. They can also reserve this in advance.

Women drivers can now only pick up women riders, including during peak earning hours like evenings.

Women riders and drivers can also set preferences in their app settings.

“It’s a great idea,” said Tasha Bautista. “I feel like women will feel a lot safer in the car with a female, another female.”

It’s the latest move from Uber to address safety on its platform.

Uber has grappled with preventing sexual assault.

Its safety report shows nearly 6,000 sexual assault reports from 2017 to 2018.

By 2022, that number dropped to just over 2,700.

“My hope would be that women could secure safe rides if they’re out drinking and they’re not able to drive home,” said Bautista. “That they’re able to feel comfortable enough to get in a car, an Uber and get home safely.”

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