Safer option with ‘Taxis for Women’

PUBLIC transport is now safer for women with the launch of "Taxis for Women" by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development yesterday.

Deputy Minister Datuk Heng Seai Kei said the project was in line with their aim of providing safe public transportation for women.

"These taxis are to cater to women, especially those who are used to travelling alone or with their children.

"We hope it will reduce the number of rape and robbery cases involving taxi drivers and female victims," she said.

According to Heng, the idea was to have taxis that were "driven by women, for women".

"Some 400 taxis will be on-call to ensure the safety and comfort of female passengers."

The service, which will be expanded in stages, currently has 50 taxis operating around the Klang Valley.

She said the service would also help create job opportunities for women, especially single mothers, housewives and pensioners, who were looking for another source of income for their family.

"It is an alternative for women, and those who are interested to pursue this career can also work in shifts to accommodate their schedule," she said.

The ministry and Abex Manufacturing Sdn Bhd are providing training and courses for those who were interested to become female taxi drivers, said Heng.

One of the taxi drivers Faridah Idris, 38, said the service provided female commuters a safer option to travel in.

"Women passengers are normally more comfortable with us.

"For female drivers, there are always risks when picking up passengers, especially at night.

"With this project, both female drivers and passengers can feel safer," she said.

The launch was held in conjunction with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2011 at the Bandar Tasik Selatan bus terminal.

Also present were Land Public Transport Commission chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar and Singapore High Commissioner, Ong Keng Yong.

Source: AISYAH SULAIMAN
aisyahs@nst.com.my