Is Uber Safer Than Lyft for Women? My Experience + Safety Features Compared

Safety is a top priority for anyone using a rideshare service, but for women—especially those riding alone—it’s a deciding factor. I have personally used both services, but now only use Uber after a Lyft driver dropped me off in a bad neighborhood, insisted it was the right spot, and told me I needed to get out of the car because she had another ride.

Both Uber and Lyft have worked to improve safety in recent years, but the specifics of their tools, policies, and transparency vary. In my case, Lyft’s policy failed me, but more on that later.

Below you’ll find a detailed comparison of the safety features available on each platform, plus my own personal experience, to help you make an informed choice on whether Uber is safer than Lyft for women.

*Because I recommend Uber, here’s a code for 50% off two Uber trips: xjqfukkv4hzt (this will save you up to $10 per ride)

Why I Choose Uber Over Lyft

When you compare pricing, Lyft is often a few dollars cheaper than Uber, so I used to choose it quite often. I also liked the option to be paired with women drivers. So, on a recent trip to New Orleans, I used Lyft to take myself and a couple friends to a club. I put in the address and waited for the ride.

When our driver came to a stop at a boarded-up house on the side of the highway, we let her know that was not our destination. The destination clearly had the name of the club and a different address than was displayed on this random house, but she insisted her GPS said it was correct.

She was not exactly friendly, and even though we pointed out the numbers on the address were way off, she said we needed to get out of the car because she had another ride. So, she left three women, all dressed up for a night out, alone in a questionable area in New Orleans at night and told us to figure it out.

Lyft Was Unconcerned with Our Safety

I immediately contacted Lyft’s customer service and let them know what happened. Their response was that they would reply back to me by e-mail in a couple hours. I sent them photos of the scary house with the incorrect address on it.

We quickly got on the Uber app and booked ourselves a ride, putting in the same address as before. Uber picked us up and took us to the correct place, which was a couple miles away.

After going back and forth with Lyft, not only did they not seem concerned about this driver’s actions, but they denied my refund saying that the ride was complete! I was pretty shocked, disappointed and have never used Lyft again due to concerns for my safety.

Safety Features Comparison: Uber vs. Lyft

Below you’ll find a detailed chart breaking down the safety features of both Uber and Lyft.

In-Depth Feature Highlights

Uber’s RideCheck and PIN Verification
Uber’s RideCheck monitors GPS and detects if the car has stopped for too long or deviated from the route. This triggers a check-in with the rider and the option to contact emergency services. Additionally, PIN verification ensures you’re getting into the right car, reducing the risk of fake drivers.

You can also share your Uber ride with someone, and they will get updates when you get started and when you arrive at your destination.

Lyft’s Women+ Connect
This is one of Lyft’s few standout safety features: it matches women and nonbinary riders with women and nonbinary drivers. However, it’s only available in a handful of U.S. cities and isn’t guaranteed.

Plus, riding with a woman doesn’t necessarily guarantee your safety, as it was a women driver who left me, and my friends stranded on the side of the road in the dark.

Audio Recording: Uber’s Edge
Uber allows riders and drivers to record trips through the app in supported regions. The recordings are encrypted and can be submitted if an incident is reported—providing crucial documentation that Lyft currently lacks.

Public Safety Records and Transparency

Uber’s decision to publish regular safety reports and partner with safety organizations has positioned it as more transparent. Lyft has released a safety report as well, but it came later and included less context on how issues were handled. Both companies have faced lawsuits over passenger safety, but Uber has responded with more public reforms.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a woman who values proactive, tech-based safety tools, Uber currently has the edge. From PIN verification to audio recording, it provides more built-in layers of protection. Lyft’s Women+ Connect is promising, but as I’ve pointed out, women are not a guaranteed safe ride. So, in my opinion, Uber is safer than Lyft for women.

Whichever app you choose, always:

• Check the license plate before getting in.
• Share your ride with a friend.
• Trust your instincts and use the safety tools—don’t hesitate.

Rideshare safety is improving, but knowing the tools at your disposal is your first step in riding smarter and safer. Double check your destination address, and make sure your phone is charged up and ready should you need to book yourself another ride like in my experience.