Top Ride-Hailing Apps for Women’s Safety in 2025

As more women rely on ride-hailing apps for daily commutes, airport transfers, and night travel, the demand for safer, more transparent transport has become a defining feature of modern urban mobility. In response, top ride-hailing platforms have invested heavily in features that prioritise women’s safety—from driver verification and live tracking to female-only ride options and emergency integrations.

This article highlights the top 5 ride-hailing apps in 2025 that stand out for their commitment to women’s safety, focusing on in-app protections, driver screening, location coverage, and trusted rider experience.

1. Uber

Best for: Global travel, urban commutes, safety technology
Available in: Over 70 countries
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web

Uber remains the most widely used ride-hailing service globally, and in 2025 it continues to enhance rider safety through a combination of technology, driver education, and policy reforms. Uber’s features now go far beyond real-time tracking, offering tools that allow women to verify drivers, record their rides, and request help instantly.

Key Safety Features:

• PIN Verification: Riders receive a 4-digit code that must be matched with the driver before the trip begins.

• Audio Recording: Passengers can discreetly record audio during the trip, stored securely for 15 days.

• RideCheck® Alerts: Detects unexpected stops, long delays, or collisions and prompts rider and driver with a check-in screen.

• Emergency Button: Instantly connects to local emergency services, sharing location and trip details.

• Driver Screening: Drivers undergo continuous background checks, ID verification, and must maintain high safety ratings.

Added Support:

• In certain regions, Uber offers female driver preference or women-only ride options.

• Safety agents are available 24/7 within the app for direct support.

Best For:
Frequent travellers, urban riders, and those seeking advanced safety features paired with a global presence.

2. Lyft

Best for: North America, transparent driver identity, support infrastructure
Available in: United States and Canada
Platforms: iOS, Android

Lyft continues to maintain a strong reputation for rider-first features in North America. In recent years, it has increased investment in app security and driver accountability to enhance women’s safety during rides.

Key Safety Features:

• Real-Time Criminal Monitoring: Drivers are checked regularly through national databases.

• Driver Face Verification: Ensures the person driving matches the registered profile using live AI matching.

• Smart Ride Alerts: Unusual delays or detours trigger check-ins and trip alerts.

• 911 Integration: Shares location and trip details directly with local emergency services from within the app.

• Privacy Controls: Phone number masking and limited access to user details.

Supportive Functions:

• Riders can share their route in real-time with contacts.

• Anonymous feedback can be submitted mid-ride to flag discomfort or concerns.

Best For:
Women in the US or Canada who want high driver accountability and seamless access to emergency tools.

3. Bolt

Best for: Women-only rides in select markets, affordable fares, inclusive driver policies
Available in: Over 45 countries across Europe, Africa, and expanding into Asia
Platforms: iOS, Android

Bolt has become a leader in Europe and parts of Africa by offering fair pricing and safety-focused tools. It also introduced “Women for Women”, a feature allowing female passengers to match only with female drivers—significantly reducing anxiety, particularly in countries with high reports of harassment in transport.

Key Safety Features:

• Women-Only Ride Option: Active in several cities, it restricts the ride request and match to female drivers.

• Trip Sharing: Live tracking that can be sent instantly to family or friends.

• In-App Emergency Button: Connects to local police or Bolt’s internal safety team.

• Driver Verification: Includes ID checks, background reviews, and a required safety orientation.

• Facial Recognition Login: Trialled in select regions for added security.

Best For:
Women looking for female-only transport options and affordable, safety-conscious services across Europe and Africa.

4. inDrive

Best for: Fare flexibility, driver transparency, regional coverage in smaller cities
Available in: Over 40 countries, popular in Latin America, Asia, and parts of Africa
Platforms: iOS, Android

inDrive uses a “name-your-fare” model, allowing passengers to suggest a price and select a driver from a list of available options. This model empowers riders to make informed decisions and avoid potentially unsafe routes or poorly rated drivers.

Safety-Focused Features:

• View Driver Ratings and Reviews: Riders can see not only star ratings but also written feedback from other women.

• Selectable Driver Gender (in pilot cities): Some regions offer a toggle to request only female drivers.

• Trip Status Sharing: Live route tracking shared with any contact.

• Optional Cashless Payments: Reduces risks during late-night or solo rides.

• Driver Screening: Includes ID verification and local references before activation.

Emerging Safety Innovations:
Voice-activated alerts are being tested to allow passengers to signal distress without unlocking the app.

Best For:
Women in non-metro or emerging regions who want to control pricing, review drivers thoroughly, and access local transport options not served by larger apps.

5. Ola

Best for: Local integration with law enforcement, cultural considerations, female driver support
Available in: India, Australia, UK, and parts of Southeast Asia
Platforms: iOS, Android

Ola has tailored its platform to the unique safety concerns of women in densely populated urban centres like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The company partners with government bodies and NGOs to improve driver conduct and rider protection.

Key Features for Women:

• Guardian Mode: AI detects route deviations or extended stops and flags them automatically.

• In-App Panic Button: Connects directly to the nearest police station with real-time GPS data.

• Female Driver Filter: Available in top metro cities, allowing riders to opt for a woman behind the wheel.

• Masked Calls: Rider’s number is hidden from the driver throughout the trip.

• Driver Education Modules: Focus on sensitivity, gender respect, and post-ride conduct.

Integrated Partnerships:

Ola works with city police departments and crisis response teams, allowing for near-instant alerts and on-ground intervention when needed.

Best For:
Women in India or Southeast Asia who value local responsiveness and dedicated safety protocols adapted to regional needs.

Summary: Best Apps for Women’s Safety While Using Ride-Hailing Services

Final Thoughts

In 2025, ride-hailing safety for women is no longer a luxury feature—it’s a baseline expectation. These five platforms lead the industry by offering verified drivers, privacy-first designs, and tools that allow riders to stay in control before, during, and after their journey.

For women choosing a ride-hailing app, it’s important to:

• Look for platforms offering female driver matching or filters

• Choose services that include live trip sharing and in-app SOS

• Check if the app provides driver ratings with visible feedback

• Prefer services that integrate with local emergency systems

As technology evolves, so do the tools for protecting personal safety. Choosing a ride-hailing app that values women’s security can make all the difference in comfort, peace of mind, and overall travel experience.