By Women, For Women: ‘Pink Taxi’ Service Launched By KSTDC And BIAL To Ensure Safety Of Female Passengers

A special all-women taxi service was launched at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) on Monday (7 January). The cabs, driven by women and for women, are an effort to ensure safety of passengers. The service is a collaborative effort between Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) and Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC).

The women drivers will be trained in self-defence tactics, speak multiple languages and will be familiar with routes in the city. Safety features such as GPS tracking and SOS switch comes as an addition in these cabs.

A fleet of 10 cars has been launched on an experimental basis. If the cabs receive good response, service will be expanded. While Rs 21.50 per km will be charged for availing the services between 6 am and 11:59 pm, Rs 23.50 per km shall be levied from midnight to 6 am, Deccan Chronicle has reported.

KSTDC Managing Director Kumar Pushkar was quoted in the report as saying, “It has been implemented with the objective of providing a safe and secure mode of transport for women, while simultaneously creating employment opportunities for women drivers.”

“At the airport, safety and security of women passengers is of prime concern. This is another step in our endeavour towards ensuring that women are 100 per cent safe while travelling. The Pink Taxis will offer a sense of safety and a secure mode of transport to women of all ages,” said Hari Marar, chief executive officer and managing director, BIAL.