The central government is in talks with taxi aggregators to provide an exclusive ‘women only’ pool for women passengers. This means women passengers can choose their co-passengers while using services like Ola and Uber.
This plan was under talks after the spotlight of several incidents, where harassment and assault were involved by drivers or co-passengers. The reports had cited senior officials in this regard.
Assaults Against Women
A meeting with the Union Road Transport and Highways with taxi aggregators is set to convene in due time to discuss this alarming issue. A senior government official stated that
“This is one option we are mulling over to enhance the safety of women using shared taxi services. We strongly feel that women passengers using ride-hailing services should have the option to choose their co-passengers.”
The trigger for this series of incidents dates back to the June 5 incidents where an Ola cab driver in Bengaluru allegedly molested a passenger. She was then forced to strip. The driver, however, was arrested.
An Uber spokesperson stated to Hindustan Times that over the last couple of years, many safety features were introduced to Uber passengers. It was also stated that these features will be innovated and perfected continually. He added,
“We are committed to working with the government and other stakeholders towards partnering on the road as well as a rider, driver safety initiatives and moving our cities forward.”
Women Only Car Pool Option
In addition, To handle SOS alerts and to allow passengers to share ride details with family and friends. In 2016, the road ministry proposed taxi aggregators to establish Emergency Response centres. With a new plan in talks, the number of incidents around harassment and assault in taxi services will hopefully fall. And, women can commute in vehicles they can trust. Check out the story of this inspiring woman. Furthermore, She is a pilot and also a racing champion. Read about her inspiring story here.
