Taxis, catering exclusively to women, have recently hit the streets of New Delhi and Beirut.
While both operations are still small in scope, the service is a sign the private sector in these cities is responding to the long running problem of safety of female travellers and commuters. A woman moving about on her own in India and the Middle East continues to be a matter of concern, and has, on many occasions, attracted unwanted attention, if not outright harassment.
Delhi’s first fleet of radio taxis, driven by women, boasts professionals who speak English and are trained in martial arts. The initiative comes as the city prepares to host the 2010 Commonwealth Games from October 3 to 14, the first to be held in the sub-continent and the second in Asia.
In Beirut, the women-only cabs are unmistakable for their bright pink colour and pink-attired female drivers.Taxi Banat (Taxi for Women) is backed by the tourism ministry.
Dubai also launched a similar convenience some time back.
Margie T Logarta
