Women make up only 23% of Lyft drivers but account for nearly half of its riders, according to the company, which hopes to attract more female drivers with the new feature.

The goal, Lyft said, is for women to feel safer using its platform, and to increase the number of female Lyft drivers. About half of Lyft’s passengers but just 23 percent of its drivers are ...

He said the company has a program that certifies both male and female drivers to train new drivers of any gender. Currently, 60 drivers are certified cross trainers, Dean said.