Uber Introduces “Uber Moto Women” in Bengaluru

ber has taken a significant step towards creating inclusive mobility solutions with the launch of “Uber Moto Women” in Bengaluru. This service connects female riders with female drivers, catering specifically to women seeking safer and more convenient transportation options. It also provides flexible earning opportunities for women drivers in India’s burgeoning bike taxi sector.

Addressing Safety and Mobility Needs

Uber Moto Women offers features tailored to enhance safety and privacy. Riders can share trip details with up to five trusted contacts for real-time tracking. Phone numbers and drop-off addresses remain anonymized to ensure privacy. The RideCheck system monitors for unusual stops, route deviations, or mid-way drops, providing timely support when necessary. A 24/7 safety helpline adds another layer of reassurance for both riders and drivers.

The service was developed after incorporating feedback from women riders and drivers, demonstrating Uber’s commitment to addressing community-specific needs.

Why Bengaluru?

Bengaluru, a hub for tech and innovation, has seen rapid adoption of bike taxis. A KPMG report revealed that bike taxis completed over 280 million rides across platforms in India in 2022, with Bengaluru recording over one million rides monthly. These taxis are critical for first- and last-mile connectivity, making them an integral part of urban transportation.

Empowering Women Through Livelihood Opportunities

Uber Moto Women aims to empower women drivers in an industry where their participation remains low. According to a KPMG report, bike taxis could create 5.4 million livelihood opportunities across India. Flexible working hours, shorter trips, and easy navigation make this platform attractive to women looking for supplementary or primary income sources. Drivers also retain the option to toggle between accepting female-only rides or all riders based on their preferences.

Boosting Workforce Participation

This initiative aligns with findings from an Oxford Economics report, which suggests that enhanced ride-hailing options could increase women’s workforce participation in India by over 6% by 2028. With 75% of women preferring ride-hailing for safety, Uber Moto Women could play a pivotal role in facilitating safer, more accessible commuting for women professionals.

Launch and Future Prospects

Starting today, Uber Moto Women will be available across major areas in Bengaluru. This initiative is part of Uber’s broader mission to innovate urban mobility while fostering economic empowerment and safety for women. By addressing safety concerns and offering flexible earning opportunities, Uber Moto Women aims to set a new standard for inclusive transportation in India.

As urban India grapples with evolving mobility needs, services like Uber Moto Women offer a focused solution for women, promoting both convenience and safety. With its dual emphasis on empowerment and innovation, this service could redefine how women navigate and participate in the urban mobility landscape.