Starting today, women using Uber in Nashville have a new safety option: they can choose to match only with female drivers.
It's a feature that's been available in other parts of the world for years. But it's just now arriving in Music City, and the timing has people asking some hard questions.
Why This Matters For Nashville Visitors
If you're a woman planning a trip to Nashville, this is something you should know about before you arrive.
Downtown Nashville sees thousands of rideshare pickups every night. Broadway is packed with tourists heading to honky-tonks, bachelorette parties bar-hopping, and visitors making their way back to hotels after a night out.
But as Fox 17 News has reported, some of those rides have ended in sexual assault.
According to reporter Madeleine Nolen, who spoke with riders downtown, this new feature is a step forward. But many are questioning why it took so long to get here.
How The Women-Only Feature Works
The option is simple. When you open the Uber app, you can now choose to be matched exclusively with female drivers.
Both women and teenagers have access to this feature starting today. It's available in the standard Uber app — no special version required.
For tourists visiting Nashville, this could provide an extra layer of comfort when you're in an unfamiliar city. You won't have to worry about whether you'll feel safe getting into a stranger's car at the end of a long night on Broadway.
The Feature Isn't New — Just New To Nashville
Here's the part that has advocates frustrated.
Uber first rolled out this program in Saudi Arabia back in 2019. They found great success with it. So why did it take until 2025 to bring it to Nashville?
What This Means For Your Nashville Trip
If you're a woman traveling to Nashville, here's what you need to know.
First, this feature is available now. You can select it in your Uber app as soon as you arrive in the city.
Second, you should still take basic safety precautions. Share your trip details with friends. Check that the license plate matches what's in the app. Sit in the back seat. Trust your instincts.
Third, be aware that women-only rides might be longer if you choose women-only rides. There are fewer female drivers than male drivers, so matching could take more time, especially during busy hours.
And finally, know that this is just one tool in your safety toolkit. It's not a guarantee, and it doesn't replace other smart travel habits.
Story credit: Fox 17 News Nashville.
