Rideshare and Taxi Safety for Women: Uber, Lyft and Cab Tips That Help

Before you get in

Most rides are uneventful, and a quick routine helps you spot problems early:

• Wait indoors or somewhere well lit until the app shows your car has arrived.
• Match the plate, make, model and colour with what the app shows.
• Check the driver looks like their photo.
• Ask 'Who are you here to pick up?' and let them say your name, rather than offering it.

If anything doesn't match, don't get in. Cancel and report it in the app. People sometimes pose as rideshare drivers outside bars and venues, so never get into a car that simply pulls up and offers a ride.

Booking a taxi safely

With traditional taxis, use licensed cabs from official ranks or book through a reputable company or app. Many cities require licensed taxis to display ID and a licence number — note it or take a photo. Unlicensed minicabs touting for business on the street are best avoided, especially late at night.

If you're abroad, ask your accommodation which taxi companies locals trust and roughly what a fare should cost.

During the ride

Small choices help you stay in control:

• Sit in the back, ideally behind the passenger seat, so you have space and can exit on either side.
• Use the app's 'share my trip' feature so a friend can follow your route live.
• Open your own map app and follow along.
• Keep your phone charged and in your hand or lap.
• Wear your seatbelt.

You don't have to make conversation or share personal details, such as whether you live alone. Earphones in one ear or a phone call to a friend can signal you'd prefer quiet.

Use the in-app safety tools

Major rideshare apps now include safety features worth exploring before you need them. These may include live trip sharing, trusted contacts, an in-app emergency button that shares your location with emergency services, ride check alerts if a trip goes off course, PIN verification, and audio recording in some regions.

Some apps also let you request a woman driver in certain areas. Take a minute to find these settings when you're not in a hurry.

If something feels wrong

Trust that feeling. You can:

• Ask the driver to stop somewhere busy, like a petrol station or outside a shop, and get out.
• Call a friend and say out loud where you are and the car details.
• Use the app's emergency button, or call your local emergency number.

If a driver makes sexual comments, touches you, takes a strange route or refuses to let you out, that is their wrongdoing, not your failure. Report it to the company and, if you choose, to police. Keep the trip receipt, which records the driver and route.

Getting home at night

A few extra options for late journeys:

• Ask to be dropped at a well-lit spot near home rather than your exact door if you prefer not to reveal your address.
• Ask the driver to wait until you're inside.
• Let a friend know when you've arrived.
• Save your home as a nearby address in the app instead of your exact house number, if you like.

If you've been drinking, book while still with friends and have someone see you into the car.