Women-only cab firm hopes to keep ladies feeling in the pink

Dec 9 2008 by Gerry Holt, South Wales Echo

A PINK, ladies-only taxi service has been launched in Cardiff to help women stay safe on a night out.

Pink Ladies, a unique 24-hour car hire service, was created to combat the increasing threat of sex attacks and rapes against women.

The cars are pink to ensure women are not picked up by bogus drivers and all of the company’s drivers are female, uniformed and trained in self-defence and first aid.

To protect the drivers and female passengers, no cash changes hands. And the company also operates a “through the door” policy, which means passengers are safely inside their destination address before their driver leaves.

Cardiff businesswoman Lynne Silcox, 42, is heading up the drive to make the scheme – the first of its kind in the UK, which has already proven popular in Manchester and London – a success the city. She says that the company expects to have signed up 1,000 members by Christmas.

“We recognise that the vast majority of taxi drivers in the local area are safe and reliable.

“However, it is no secret that in recent years, there has been a steady rise in serious sexual assaults against women in general, and notably when travelling in an illegal cab, late at night,” she said.

“Pink Ladies is an exclusive service for women only, with women drivers who undergo rigorous training, from self defence to customer care.  

“We know that this will prove to be a popular alternative for women in Cardiff, and we’re confident that it will provide some comfort to them and their families.”

The service, which uses bright pink Renault Kangoos with pink leather interiors, works through a membership scheme. Once signed up, members can reserve a car from the club’s fleet and book their driver for any trip and in around Cardiff.

And to add that personal touch, the cars are even named – Alison is the current Cardiff car, while cars in other cities include Andrea, Kerry, Trixie, Dawn, Nigella, Paula and Cockney Rebel. There is also a green wheelchair accessible car, named Angel, for disabled users.

It was originally launched in Warrington in 2005 by Tina Dutton, 49, and Andrea Winders, 43, who as parents to teenage daughters were concerned about their safety when travelling home.

On researching the idea, they found many women pretend to be on mobile phones when alone with male drivers to create a feeling of safety.

And that feeling is widespread. A recent GMTV survey found that 80% of women feel unsafe walking alone home in the dark.

And almost 75% are scared of using public transport at night.

Pink Ladies has received support from local women’s organisations, and has been recognised by the Queen for its service to local and national issues.