DAR AL ISLAM-U.A.E.: PINK "WOMEN ONLY" TAXIS PREMIER IN DUBAI

Pink women-only taxis will make their debut today
By Zoi Constantine, Staff Reporter

Dubai: Pink taxis - women's only taxis will make their debut on the roads of Dubai today, Dubai's Road and Traffic Authority has announced.

Mohammad Obaid Al Mulla, CEO of the RTA's Public Transport Agency, said that today will see the beginning of the first stage of the initiative with a fleet of 50 vehicles being launched, aimed at providing a secure mode of transportation for women.

Gulf News broke the story in August that the RTA would operate pink taxis, which will be deployed mainly at locations like maternity hospitals, shopping malls and other areas frequented by women.

Set apart by their pink appearance - including pink roofs, - the 'LadiesTaxis' will not only be visibly different.

The fleet will be driven by a team of 100 female drivers, including 25 UAE nationals, who according to the RTA have undergone specialised training, focusing on driving skills and dealing with women and children in emergency situations.

The service can also be requested by contacting Dubai Transport on 04-2080808 and is available from 6am to 1am daily.


Female only taxis in Iran:


Women-only taxi firm for Tehran
Published: Sunday, 10 December, 2006, 11:57 AM Doha Time

TEHRAN: Iran will launch a women-only taxi company in Tehran aimed at women who feel uncomfortable riding in close proximity with men, a newspaper reported yesterday.

‘The Ladies’ Safe Trips’ taxi company, due to open for business in the next few weeks, will be the first such private sector firm in the capital. Similar taxi lines have been operating in some provincial cities for several years.

The company will only employ female drivers who will wear uniforms and must be married, the Tehran-e Emrouz newspaper said.

Mansoureh Sarkheil, a driver for the company, told the newspaper: "My main motivation for driving in this company is to create ... security for other women who always have to sit stressfully in taxis."

Men and women travel in separate sections in public transportation systems like buses. But in shared taxis, women and men are often forced to squash together in cramped conditions. - Reuters


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