Taxi Driver Online

Did we miss this story, or is it old hat from before 2008?

South Wales Echo

December 9, 2008 Tuesday

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

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.

To join, potential members are asked to text "PINK" to 81011, call 0845 124 7465, e-mail info@pinkladiesmembers.co.uk, or visit www.pinkladiesmembers.co.uk.

Membership costs pounds 3.50 per month, and also includes shopping and restaurant discounts.

Is a ladies-only taxi service a good idea? Visit our forum on WalesOnline.co.uk to give your view.

gerry.holt@mediawales.co.uk
_____________________

And so she put them in un-insured un-licensed vehicles.

_________________
IDFIMH

I take it she's all licensed up now

_________________
Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

Im guessing all the local Paeds and pervs need in that area is a Long Haired wig and the car a colour of a half chewed Chewit......pervs have brains to ya know.... the Dumbassed sexist Pink SAS Militants...

They'll need it with a car load of drunken woman

_________________
Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

i wonder how many have signed up at £3.50 a month, and is that all that a taxi costs?

it says "pre-paid car"

mind you, thier target of 1000 members by christmas paying £3.50 a equals, er, hang on.......socks off.........

oh yeah, £3500 a month

thats IF they can supply a car when requested

_________________
Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most

How about a Pink Wimp Limo service for Feeble guys....you know the ones..they get sand Kicked in their face at the beach, Wedgied at School, head flushed Down the Lav, Bullied by their Wifes, Appear in Mr Muscle adverts and win Knobbly Knees contests.....these poor Vulnerable people need protected to. So if youve ever Had any of the horrible things above done to you please sign my petition to put in place a Male only Wimps in Pink Limo service using Specialist male driver Wimps trained in "Y" front in crack removal and Sand Swallowing Techniques, they come smartly Dressed in Drainpipe trousers and Coke Bottle spectacles...you know it makes sense

_________________

http://wingsoverscotland.com/ http://www.newsnetscotland.com/

How long will they last this time?? I'll give them 3 months.

Me thinks it should be Wimps in White or Puffs in Pink, I'll sign you're petition. Get it on the Downing Street website and we can all sign it

_________________
Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

To post on forums?

If the Wig fits wear it GBC...

This was covered in our local rag and tbh I thought it had been done on here, on the forum concerned it had 1433 viewings and 30 replies however it is now the 27th Jan 2009 and I have yet to see one My reply to one poster is below.






Quote:
Private hire Cars have little in they way of checks and certainly no CRB checks are made.

Bob you are a little bit off track on that one, all have got to be badged by the L.A so a CRB check is done - however it seems that they cannot tell them what charges they can make or what colour their vehicle has to be, so they must have limited powers.

But you can call it pink ladies or anything else you like, unfortunately the biggest part of the problem is with the ladies themselves - at the end of the night if it has got wheels they will get in.

You will then read the next day "Bogus Taxi Driver" wanted for blah blah blah and as such it does the trade not good whatsoever because it should read "Motorist" wanted for xxx because that is what it was.

Cheap sensationalist journalism is causing a fear factor that companies like Pink Ladies thrive on, but they will not be able to cope with the volumes of women on the streets and neither are their drivers going to like waiting around for someone who is wrecked and cannot even remember what century we are in.

We will see how long it lasts OR not.

_________________
if you cannot be yourself, then who can you be.