The city, which is on a mission to be women-friendly, is considering introduction of a share taxi system, with the launch of women-driven cabs.
The City Corporation, which has been planning to train women in autorickshaw driving as part of its ‘Snehasanchari’ project and assist them in buying the vehicles, is now considering a project to provide cabs, instead of autorickshaws. The cabs will be a reality with a 30 per cent financial assistance by the Corporation, 20 per cent beneficiary contribution and 50 per cent bank loan.
“With the city having so many government offices, every day, the number of women who arrive here for various purposes is very high. The project is mainly intended to be an aid for such women and ensure a safe commuting here. A cab will be more safe than an autorickshaw and that’s why providing the cabs instead of autos is under consideration,” said Deputy Mayor G Happykumar. A helpline number would be arranged for women to access the service of the taxis, which will be linked with a helpdesk to be launched in the city.
The functioning of the women-driven taxis is to be modelled on the ‘She Taxis’, the 24x7 off-campus project initiated by the Social Justice Department’s Gender Park set to be launched next week in the city. “The share taxis will start service from a particular spot, a bus stop for example, so that women who need to go on similar routes can hire it together. The drivers will be chosen from the Kudumbashree CDSes under the Corporation,” said Welfare Standing Committee chairman Palayam Rajan.
The Corporation is now receiving applications from ward-levels to find women who are eligible to drive for Snehasanchari. “On discussing with the RTO, a colour has to be assigned to the women-driven cabs. A station to start the service is also under consideration,” said Happykumar.
The thrust area in this year’s Corporation budget was a slew of proposals for the security and financial stability of women. With the introduction of share taxis for women, the city is becoming more women-friendly. A few months ago, the Kudumbashree had launched a gender helpdesk and short-stay home for women.
The Kochi Corporation also had a budget announcement of launching share auto services this fiscal, which is now awaiting government nod.