Noted actress and dancer Manju Warrier has been designated as the goodwill ambassador for the State Government - backed ‘She Taxi’ service to be launched next week. Manju has volunteered to support the transport service which has been initiated by the Gender Park, an institution set up by the Department of Social Justice to work towards achieving gender equity.
She Taxis, owned and driven by women entrepreneurs, will be rolled out as part of a pilot project here on November 19, at a ceremony attended by dignitaries, including Manju Warrier. “As someone who has first-hand experience of the difficulties and worries of travelling in unfamiliar cities during odd hours, I know how important a service of this kind will be to women. I’m sure this is an idea that will catch on quickly,” she said. “I also respect the women who have come forward to operate these taxis given the challenges they are expected to face in a male-dominated business”.
Once fully operational, ‘She Taxi’ will be a 24x7 service available for booking via mobile phones and online. Women travelling alone or with families will be able to dial a toll free number connecting to a customer care centre. They will get a Unique Identification Code and the vehicle number on their mobile phones.
All cabs will be metered and will have an electronic payment system allowing the user to pay using credit or debit cards or cash. She Taxis will come with multiple security systems for the safety of the drivers as well as the passengers.
A control room will track the taxis in real-time using GPS; there will be personal emergency alert switches for drivers and passengers inside the car. A similar safety alert app will be installed on the mobile phones of the women drivers. The cabs will have a map of all emergency response systems in the city and public safety officers will be available for their assistance.