Female-Only Cabs in the UK - GREAT IDEA! We should do it in the US

[xultar]

Female-Only Cabs in the UK

PinkcabsWomen in the UK won't have to feel uneasy next time they take a cab at night. Thanks to a new exclusive cab service called Pink Ladies, women will be able to hire one of these female-driven limousines that will be hitting the streets May 28. The pink cabs with pink leather interior will pick up female passengers, who will be called or texted when the car arrives. Pink Ladies was the idea of two moms who wanted to make women feel safer, and plan to launch a nationwide chain within 18-months. You have to become a member online before booking a pickup. These gals also donate 10% of all membership fees to Breast Cancer Research.

http://www.techiediva.com/weblog/

[northzax]

1. as long as I can create male-only cabs as well

and maybe some cabs for white people. I'm always a little uncomfortable getting into a cab driven by someone who doesn't look like me.

[xultar]

4. You're so kute. Why don't you take the act on the road.

Knock yourself out. Create all the different type of cabs you want. They already have No Black Male cabs in NY and it has been that way for years.
I don't see anyone trying to fix that.

[redqueen]

6. "They already have No Black Male cabs in NY "...

:yourock:

[northzax]

7. so you'd actually be ok with that?

with a cab company that refused to pick up women, as a matter of principle? really? somehow I don't buy that.

I'm all in favour of people taking radio cabs, if they don't feel safe being picked up on the street.

[xultar]

12. I've called for cabs and gotten some crazy fucks who just happened

to be men. So much so I started paying a friend to take me to the airport.

I've also gotten a cab on the street and almost got molested, another and kidnapped, and I caught one with my parents and was verbally abused if my dad hand't been in the car my mom and I would have been FUCKED UP.

I'm all for cabs that specialise in picking up women especially if the cab drivers are women.

There are clubs that don't allow blacks and women. Just consider the cab company a club and let's leave it @ that.

If you've never been treated differently in a negative way by your sex or race then you wouldn't understand.

I'm not about to put my body on the line to prove a point. This is life and death here. We aren't talking golf. In the middle of the night strange shit happens to women and I don't want that shit happening to me.

[helderheid]

58. Bravo!

:applause:

[ContraBass Black]

60. Is this NY, or DC?

[Deja Q]

57. Seconded. Gay and bi men like me are timid. We need pink cabs too.

:spray: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Not that I am against the chick cab thing goin' on; there's a justified reason to help promote paranoia and/or xenophobia in that case. :(

[northzax]

2. deleted- dupe no text

[Roon]

3. I drive cab sometimes

I think this is a great idea! I always treated my passengers like gold, although not all cab drivers do so.

[xultar]

5. I was almost molested by a male taxi driver in DC one time.

The guy was an effin freak.
You never know late @ night who is gonna pick you up.

[IntravenousDemilo]

25. Jesus! Don't these cab companies screen their employees?

And if not, what the hell are they doing in business? Isn't there some government agency that will crack down on cab companies for hiring sickos? And if not, why not?

[xultar]

34. Sickos are every where, hospitals, restaurants, everywhere.

It is a shame that in our current society you have to have advocates for your hospital stay to make sure the nurse isn't a sicko and
wants to end your suffering- when it is only strep or people in restaurants do horrible things to your food.

Sickos come in all jobs in all places.

[Roon]

35. I don't know about DC

But in Denver you have to pass extensive background checks before you get your cabby license.

[LeftyMom]

40. Sacramento too

You have to get screened by the sherrif's department, fingerprinted, etc and they give you a special ID to carry. Whole lotta hoops to jump through and if anything in your background looks at all hinky you can't do it.

[Roon]

62. Yep

Fingerprints and all of that too here. I understand it's because it's a cash business and it's too easy to hide from the government while you are making all this dough.

[meow2u3]

8. This would never fly in the US

Men would cry discrimination in no time flat. And with those right-wing goons in robes, aka the Supreme Court, they'd rule in favor of the boys.

[xultar]

16. Yes, and a woman would get raped and they'd make her play host

organism to the lil cabbie.

[Karenina]

53. And make her watch the security video

of the assault before absolving the perpetrator. We have Frauen Parkplatze, well-lit spaces reserved for women within earshot of the guards.

As for cabs, there have been times that I have insisted on being deposited at a major intersection. You know EXACTLY what I mean, Xultar.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

9. watch men cry discrimination

cause clearly being stronger and bigger and being 95% less chance of being raped is not good enough

[xultar]

15. Don't the responses to this thread shock you? I cant' believe that men

'liberal' men wouldn't see how this isn't a good idea.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

19. no not really

i understand the premise that equality applies to both genders

however in a world where women are 95% of the victims of rape, it seems silly to hold that principle true.

sorry i am having trouble with words today.

[IntravenousDemilo]

28. No, I think that though there's a problem, this is the wrong solution.

Of course, this is not denying that there is a problem. But I think the proper solution would be to overhaul the entire industry and see to it that all cabbies obtain either state or federal authorization, after a background check and psychological test, before they get behind the wheel.

[LostinVA]

38. Oh they always come out on these threads

It shouldn't, but it still appalls and shocks me.

[LibertyLover]

10. One of the cab companies

where I live - Annapolis - had a similar service. You could call up and request a cab driven by a woman. It was quite popular, especially late at night, with women. At least they used to - several years ago there was a nasty incident where a man called the company and requested a woman-driven cab to, according to the court report - take his young child back to his or her (can't remember now if he said son or daughter) mother's house. But when the cab arrived at the address, he robbed her, raped her and beat her unconscious. Her injuries were quite severe. The guy also stole the cab but was caught the next day trying to sell it for drugs, IIRC.

[xultar]

14. I really don't get why DUers wouldn't understand why a woman would

want a woman driver late at night.

You'd think there would be some understanding and shit, but based on this thread I don't know WTF to think.

[LibertyLover]

64. I understand

all too well, as a woman and having had a number of late night rides in cabs after working late at the office, both in New York City and Washington DC. The law firms had accounts with car companies and if you worked past a certain time you could take a cab home. At 2 in the morning in DC it was a necessity since Metro wasn't running. Anyway, some of the car drivers were very weird and I would have loved to have been able to request a woman driver.

[ContraBass Black]

61. Damn.

[LeftyMom]

11. What on earth for?

Cab drivers are at much greater risk from thier passengers than vice versa.

[xultar]

13. I've been almost kidnapped....well the driver tried to take me to his

house.

I had a limo driver beg me for my panties.

I've had one verbally assault me.

I've also had one almost molest me.

That is what for.

[LeftyMom]

18. I have never heard of anything like that

I've heard of drivers being robbed and killed by fares, but never once have I heard of anything like that.

I really object to the whole business model's implied assumption that every man is a potential rapist.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

20. do you often take cabs home late at night?

(i am really not trying to be bitchy...but i think perspective on this does help)...

[LeftyMom]

21. Not currently, though I have in the past

Actually I'm in the middle of dealing with my father's taxi business's license paperwork, which is probably a good hint at why I find this whole thing mortally offensive.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

23. i dont think the business model implies that all men are rapists...

just that if you encountered one rapist cab driver...well that could be really sad for you...it really does take one man....

and yes i am sure your dad isnt a rapists...but there have been some rather tricky situations for me in cabs before...

[LeftyMom]

33. I think background checks for drivers are a much better idea

than silly pink cabs for preventing that sort of thing. Sorry you've faced that, I really never have heard about anything like that around here, but most of the large companies around here run background checks.

[xultar]

27. I forgot to post the time I had a limo driver get NEEKID on my bed...

he helped me bring my bags to the room.
I was in Pittsburgh.

I went to check behind the shower curtains in the bathroom to make sure there were no hide outs....

I came out and the fucker was NEEKID STANDING ON MY BED!!!!

I was like WTF. That was my first business trip.

I travel weekly. Air travel is a BITCH. I've experienced, heard, and seen some shit that could make your blood boil.

Walking to hotels late @ night...that is why a lot of hotels offer free car service cuz they know alot of the cab drivers are nuts.

Eating out by yourself in a restaurant then some fucker decides to follow you home.

People coming in my room @ nite. SOME EFFED UP SHIT!

[xultar]

24. Not every man. But late at night why take the chance.

I think you haven't heard stories like that cuz women just consider it a thing we have to deal with.
I travel. 4 days a week. I get to my hotel late @ night. I walk, take cabs etc.

You don't know what goes on out there. I even had a limo driver help me bring my bags to my room when I went to check the bathroom in the room to see if anyone was in there...(safety check) when I came back out into the room the fucker was NEEKID and standing on my BED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


NEEEKID!!!!!!


That was my first business trip.

I've heard of lots of stuff happening to women on business trips. Equality yes. But there is no equality on RAPE. NONE. We are WAY more on the front lines for that fight.

So now you know one person. One woman who has had these events happen to her. Think about all the ones you don't know.

And don't tell me this still isn't a good idea.

[pitohui]

26. i have a terrible story

a friend of mine worked for a cab company in a bad area, another cab driver for that company was kidnapped, killed, put in the trunk of the cab, and set on fire

it must be scary, even if you're a big guy like my friend, because you've got your hands on the wheel, and the unknown person you're picking up could have a gun in the handbag

so you're right passengers can be crazy too

[xultar]

29. Hell yeah...passengers are crazy too. It was raining and I shared

a cab one night. When I got out @ my hotel he was acting like it was his stop too until the cab driver said...
I thought you wanted to go to the Hilton.

The guy looked all crazy and then slinked back into the car.

I do hope that cabbie was alright.

[LeftyMom]

36. That sort of thing scares this shit out of me

My Dad drives a cab. He's a big guy but that doesn't mean a lot really. He's had friends robbed and murdered.

It scares the hell out of me. I'll be the happiest daughter in the world the day he retires.

[xultar]

43. Why isn't he behind the scenes...or does he dig the job. I can see

where it would be fun getting to meet people. Jobs where people can lure you into a situation are very dangerous anything like that such as pizza delivery guys get killed.

There are NUTS EVERYWHERE.

[LeftyMom]

52. It's pretty good money

He's got to pay the mortgage, keep the lights on and he helps to pay my baby sister's way through college (she's a junior now and gets no financial aid because of our Mother's income even though Mom hasn't paid a cent in twenty years.) He's done it a long time and as a result he's able to take direct calls from repeat customers rather than having to pick up strangers in iffy neighborhoods, so he's safer than most but I still worry.

[xultar]

56. I would worry too. There are too many nuts out there. I think like

your dad and when I know I'm going to be travelling to a city often if I use cabs I tip really well and get to know the cabbie. Then we work out a schedule and things work out great. I didn't learn that until after I'd been travelling for a few months.

The only time I've had problems is when I get a ride on the fly or if in limo situations the guys get hot after me. I will admit about 10 years back when I was in my 20's I wasn't too bad lookin...caused me many a problem.

I've dated one guy who was a limo driver for a hotel I stayed at for about a year he was from Thailand I also dated a waiter when I was on a project.

There are some great people out there. It is just the nutbags that give all of humanity a bad name.

Your dad must be a pretty special guy. I'm glad he's been safe and I know he will continue to be safe.

Take care!

:pals:

[IntravenousDemilo]

32. I think you just nailed it. n/m

[LostinVA]

46. Sorry -- stuff like this happens all the time

EVERY woman I know who's lived somewhere where they use cabs has had something like this happen to them -- including me. Sociopaths know where they should work to find victims. Even if it';s not rape, it's remarks, and it's sickening, and it happens ALOT.

[IntravenousDemilo]

30. I hope they didn't expect a tip after that. n/m

[xultar]

37. I have to admit I did laugh @ the neekid guy. That was funny...

then I realised later how scary it was much later.

They tell you things like don't order your breakfast with the little door hangout thing. Check behind the curtains, under the beds, behind shower curtains, in closets and stuff to make sure you don't lock yourself in with someone who read the reservations and knows that 1 female will be in the room.

Shit like that.

It is tough to take control of your safety when you just jump into a car. Hell the person could be fakin the funk as a cabbie. How do you know.
I always call for a cab. NEVER catch one on the street unless you are running for your life.

[LostinVA]

42. I've been amide to feel VERY uncomfortable by over familiar

cabbies -- some even made sexual comments, as a "joke." It's very, very scary. And you're very, very vulnerable. I think this is a terrific idea.

[Minnesota Libra]

17. FANTASTIC idea..........

.....I love it!!! O8) :hi: :loveya:

[pitohui]

22. in the usa OK, why in uk would you need this?

the black cab drivers of london and some other areas of the united kingdom are educated and second to none, they're not going to fuck that up by hitting on a drunk female passenger

now in the usa, it's a different matter, it isn't worth your life sometimes to take a cab if you're not ready to jump out at an intersection and run for it

[Book Lover]

31. Well, they're not actually cabs

They are a private club (you have to pay a quid to join) whose female-only memerbship are granted the privlidge of the female-only (well, they will carry males under 13) car service.

From their website:

It all started with an idea that Tina Dutton (one of the Company’s founders) had thought about for many years, and came to a head when her daughter, Leanna, mentioned that she did not like being the last person in the taxi after a night out.
The Plan
Together with business partner Andrea Winders, a plan was put into place that saw the launch of Pink Ladies Cabs in Warrington, June 2005. Every element of Pink Ladies that you see today was created within the initial thoughts:

Bright Pink exterior and pink leather interior
GPRS vehicle tracking and satellite navigation
All female drivers, uniformed and trained in self defence, first aid, customer care and working with the disabled
No cash in the cars
Through the door policy – our drivers will wait to ensure that passengers are safely inside their destination before leaving

Tina and Andrea started to research by talking to relevant organisations, such as Hail Safe and Suzy Lamplugh Trust, to understand the statistics and risks to women in general.

and

We understand that there is not a problem with the majority of male taxi drivers, but a high percentage of ladies do still express concerns about in a car alone with a strange man.

My major problem is that they're using the hideous Renault Kangaroo

[xultar]

39. Exactly. Just like the all WHITE MENS Golf associations and shit.

[Book Lover]

41. Hey, I'm not against them!

Far from it - I think this is an excellent idea, and I *know* that if I had the money, I'd start one of these back in NYC. Anyone who does will clean up.

[xultar]

44. I know. I was just adding a little example to your post. So when they

say it is discrimination I'd say but what about all that Golf bullshit.

[Book Lover]

49. D'oh

Sorry to jump the gun. After being here last night during and after the Oscars, I guess I'm a little gunshy...

[supernova]

45. I might go out more

and stay out later if I had this option.

[LostinVA]

47. Yup, men just can't understand that particular, horrible fear

They can try really hard, and the good ones at least sympathize with you, but they just can't get it. Unless the poor guy has been abducted for some reason. But, thank goodness that's rare.

[xultar]

48. I know. Wouldn't it be nice to go out and not have to drive and have

a few drinks and know you have a ride already set up with someone whom you know won't take advantage of your buzz!

[supernova]

50. 'Xactly

:thumbsup:

Sometimes, I think that's why so many women pair off with men. There's nothing wrong with pairing off, but they want an escort above all.

I do think it's sad that I always have to be concerned about this stuff and I can't just enjoy myself.

[Rabrrrrrr]

51. So long as no one bitches about whites only, male only, Jew only,etc. cabs

I think this is a great idea.

I have no problem at all with people wanting to do something exclusively, so long as it is not a public endeavor - private race-based clubs, women-only-excercise-places, black-only-country-clubs, Jew-only-restaurant-clubs.

Who cares? I don't give a shit.

EXCEPT - when someone says "The Society of Women Engineers is a great thing!" and in the same breath say "But a male only society of engineers would be sexist and BAD!"

Either we accept it in totality, or not at all.

If women feel safer having woman cabbies, then all the power to 'em, and let them have a women-only cab service. I think it's cool. But don't get mad when John Birch starts a whites-only cab service.

[xultar]

55. What do you all Hooters Air?... As for cabs...Jew only cabs great!

They can play the music and do pray on the way.

Muslims only cab great. Pray on the way , put the lil carpet right there in the back seat area and every time the cab turns into the directon of Mecca they can do what they need to do.

I got no problem with it especially if it is a little club thing where they sign up like a monthly fee and it's like a club just like the womens thing.

Male only cabs! Great. They can have women drivers in hooters uniforms with their crotches hanging out.
They already have Hooters Airlines.
They wouldn't have to worry about me calling but if my b/f wanted to call then what the hay.

[NaturalHigh]

63. As long as it's a private club, who cares?

I'm with you. I think this will probably be very popular with a lot of women, and if they are willing to pay the monthly fee for the service, more power to them. Of course, a lot of the people who think this is a fantastic idea will still bitch and moan at every opportunity about some golf course in Augusta.

[Kathleen04]

54. I really like this idea

..it'd be great if they actually came when you called too, unlike here!

[khashka]

59. It's not a bad idea

Sure it's un-PC. So what?

Let's face facts here. 1 in 4 women will be sexually assaulted at some point in their lives. Think about that. No, no, THINK about it!


Look, as a man, I can walk down to the gas station in the middle of the night for a pack of cigs. Few women I know would do that. The risks we face are different. Nothing at all wrong with a woman minimizing those risks and other women helping. That is simply called "good sense".

Is it discriminatory? Maybe. So what? As a gay man, there are many things I can't do, places I can't go without risk. So to an extent I get it. And what if was your mother, your sister, your daughter.... would you choose politics over her safety?

It's a good idea.

Khash.