Taxi Driver Online

This hasn't happened before

Quite a few holes to be picked here, but can't be bothered


Leeds single mum launches female-only taxi company in city first

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/loc ... e-31998516

Leed's first female-only taxi company launched just two weeks ago

After several bad experiences in cabs in Leeds, a single mum has launched the city’s first female-led taxi company.

Launched just two weeks ago, Red’s Private Hire only features female drivers and is aimed at women who might feel unsure or unsafe taking a cab driven by a man. Owner Leanne Hodgetts said she has had the idea for years after she had her own scary experiences in taxis.

“I was in a taxi and he wouldn’t unlock the back doors of the cab before I gave him my phone number,” Leanne told YorkshireLive . “I gave him my ex-boyfriend’s phone number and ran out of the cab.”

“I was really uncomfortable. I wasn’t interested, but he just pushed and pushed and pushed. I was okay, but that would have been absolutely terrifying for someone like my daughter.”

Leanne said many women simply won’t go out because they cannot get a cab back home, and she wants to be the solution to that. “Only 3% of taxi drivers are female,” she said. In Leeds, she said there are 64 private hire operators, of which just two are women.

“I know if there was a local female-driven company that was charging the same as a male driver, I would for the female,” she added. Some women have thanked her greatly for the company adding: “We have needed this in Leeds for years.” She added: “One woman called me today just to say thank you because she can actually go out now.”

More than 700 complaints were made about the conduct of taxi drivers in Leeds last year, official council figures show. Of these, 35 were about alleged inappropriate sexual behaviour.

Leanne also has a range of safe words people can use when they call her if they are in a situation where they need help but cannot say so, such as in an abusive relationship with their partner in the same room.

“If somebody calls up and asks for a premium package, that tells me they cannot speak but that they need picking up as a priority and I can bring that booking forward,” Leanne explained. She said she is also working on a phrase people can mention that alerts her to inform the police.

“It is something I wish I had in place when I needed it,” she added. “I think something like this is really important.”

You can book a taxi with Red’s Private Hire using their website here, and also by booking over the phone, 0113 873 0515.


Image: Examiner Live

I haven't included the weblink included in the Examiner's article above because there's nothing there

Looks like someone's forgot to set it up

http://redsprivatehire.co.uk/

Found this on Facebook, but it's not even a proper dedicated page for the business, so not sure what's going on precisely

And a tad too smug as well. Not clear if they're charging the same rates for their flash Merc and guaranteed female drivers. But I'd guess not, which is maybe why the references to pricing here and above are a bit vague

is it me or is she trying to sell her services using sexualised imagery ?

probably not a smart move and i'm guessing like all the other pink lady tuk tuk girly PH brands doomed to failure.

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

I wish her well.

But it's doomed to failure.

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IDFIMH

Brings to mind that well known catchphrase from Yes, Minister, Edders - "You might very well think that; I couldn't possibly comment"

Didn't really read this properly, but pretty predictable stuff.

To be honest I couldn't care less about the discrimination stuff.

But I hope the women who are praising this to the rafters NEVER use a 'taxi' with a male driver again.

And that powerful women like Angela Rayner and Rachel Reeves launch a high-profile campaign to get at least 50% women into the trade, like they do for MPs and directorships etc.

No, didn't think so

(And yet another link to the firm's website that doesn't exist )


Leeds women praise new female-only taxi firm - but some say 'it shouldn't be allowed'

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/wes ... e-32026045

Leed's first female-only taxi company launched just two weeks ago

Leeds residents have spoken out after a female-only taxi service was launched in the city centre.

Single mum Leanne Hodgetts launched the city’s first female-led taxi company just two weeks ago, following several negative personal experiences with male taxi drivers. Red’s Private Hire only features female drivers and is aimed at women who might feel unsure or unsafe taking a cab driven by a man.

While most have welcomed the idea with open arms, citing increased safety and comfort, particularly for women traveling alone or at night, others view it as potentially discriminatory or unnecessary. Most residents, predominantly women, say the introduction of Red’s Private Hire has made them feel more confident to use taxis, knowing they will be driven by a female driver, especially in light of reports of harassment or assault by male drivers.

Many locals took to Facebook to share their own stories of being made to feel uncomfortable at the hands of male drivers. They say that they feel a female-only service prioritizes their safety and that they appreciate the extra measures taken like ensuring a customer is safely inside their home before leaving and code words if and when in danger.

Among them was Katie Louise, who said: "Fantastic idea, especially with the code words for women needing an urgent taxi to escape domestic violence, and prioritising those. Best of luck."

And Julie McLaughlin wrote: "Brilliant idea. I would be much more happy to have my granddaughter in a female driver taxi. Yes I know not all men are bad that isn’t the point really. It’s not sexist at all it’s giving people a choice. Well done lovely lady."

Wendy Swires posted: "Fantastic idea it would make us feel so much safer" while Justine Fleming said: "Brilliant wish you best of luck, I would use taxi's more if I new I had a lady driver." Pauline Dyton wrote: "Wish there were many more, brilliant idea."

And it isn't just the women who think Red Cabs is a great idea, Ian Scott said: "I don't have a problem with this at all, will feel a lot happier knowing my wife is getting in these taxis". While Morgan Dodd said: "Great Idea, would feel a lot safer my wife getting in one of these, especially late at night."

Ryan Holmes posted: "Brilliant idea I always try and stay on the phone to my partner if she’s in a taxi if I can’t pick her up myself I simply don’t trust taxis I even feel uncomfortable going on a night out getting asked weird questions so god knows how women feel hope it takes off."

However, not everyone agrees. Some people, predominantly men, have voiced concerns about potential sexism or the exclusion of male drivers. Some feel that rather than creating segregated services, efforts should focus on improving safety and security for all passengers in existing taxi services.

While others say that while there have been instances of assault, not all male taxi drivers are dangerous and perhaps this could cause problems for genuine male taxi drivers. Ruth Belcher said: "I don't think it should be allowed these days, thought it was equality, and some women can be bad too as well. If someone set up a men's only taxi up, I reckon the responses would be different as well."

Rob Bowman wrote: "Women’s safety is really important, I’d want to think my mum, sister, friends could all safely travel in a taxi. However to play devils advocate how are they getting round the recruitment process.

"In most cases gender cannot be specified in a job advert or be a reason to reject them and would lead them open to claims of discrimination on the basis of a protected characteristic."

Ste Knight said: "Weird one isn't it because women want equal rights, equal opportunity in all things men have and do. They want to pundit the football and rugby but then they want a women's only section in the gym now women only businesses.

"I'm going to start a male only gym where they can get a male only uber to and from - I bet women have something to say about it."

Gibson Brennen said: "I've driven a taxi for 27 years and the only people I've had to have evicted out my car or taken to the police station where women of their faces!"

However, another local, Amy Louise Betteridge, hit back with: "All the men complaining about this have clearly never feared for their safety doing something so trivial as getting a taxi home as a lone traveller. What a privilege that must be."

You can book a taxi with Red’s Private Hire using their website here, and also by booking over the phone, 0113 873 0515.

You'd have thought the various spelling/grammatical mistakes there would be corrected for the article

"...were women off their faces...", presumably, and all the rest.

Glad that's really the only paragraph I read properly

i think they rely on "AI" software to proof read these days and it is Not up to the job

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

Thought this would just be a rewrite in another outlet, but there's quite a few bits and pieces of note, but maybe best not to say too much

Anyway, if she wants to offer a social work-style service - as she seems to portray it below - then that's up to her.

But not sure what the point is of demonising those who are just offering an, er, taxi service

And looks like she's still on her own despite the media fanfare a few weeks ago - good luck to her, but I suspect this confirms that this will only ever be a very niche type of service, even if it was women-only but without the social work/fourth emergency service stuff


'I started a women-led taxi service in Leeds offering peace of mind to vulnerable passengers across the city'

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/ ... ds-5243196

After several troubling experiences with male taxi drivers, a Leeds mum has launched a female-led private hire service aimed at providing a safer, more comfortable alternative for vulnerable passengers across the city.

Leanne “Lea” Hodgetts, a mum-of-two from Leeds, founded Red’s Private Hire after speaking to friends about her experience and recognising the widespread safety concerns shared by many women.

“I came to realise that the experience I had was not an isolated case and that there was a call for female drivers and operators within the industry,” she told the Yorkshire Evening Post.


Image: Yorkshire Evening Post

Figures from Leeds City Council show that in 2023, there were 722 reports of driver misconduct - with 35 relating to alleged inappropriate sexual behaviour.

“This is 722 too many,” Lea said. “I wanted to provide a safe environment where people can feel relaxed, especially vulnerable people, like women, disabled people, and LGBTQ+.”

The service, which can be booked online or by phone, shares updates through social media platforms including Instagram and Facebook. But Red’s Private Hire offers more than just convenience - it’s built around practical safeguards for those who may feel at risk.

A key moment in Lea’s decision to launch the service came during a volatile past relationship.

“I didn’t want to call a taxi as a male driver may not have understood the urgency of the situation,” she said.

“There was this fear that if the driver left without me, I would have been left in an even worse situation. That is why I have brought in initiatives such as safe words so the caller can ask for help without actually having to ask.


Image: Yorkshire Evening Post

If a caller uses a designated safe word, Lea is immediately alerted to prioritise the booking and respond faster. In critical cases, she can also contact emergency services on behalf of the passenger.

“The caller will also be given the option for me to alert the authorities if needed,” she explained. “For some people in vulnerable situations, a 999 call just isn't possible, whereas a call to a private hire firm may be.”

Customers can also request journey tracking - a feature Lea says is particularly popular with parents when minors are travelling alone.

“This means that the person waiting for the passenger can watch our journey and know when their loved ones are due to arrive,” she said.

“As a mother, I understand the fear of having your child travel alone, so anything I can do to lessen the worry, I will do.”

Lea brings with her a background in care work and child protection, and follows strict safeguarding procedures to ensure peace of mind for all passengers.

Since launching just a month ago, Red’s Private Hire has been operating across Leeds with Lea at the wheel of her red Mercedes.

“The overall feedback has been very positive. But the only challenge is covering such a large area by myself,” she said.

“That’s why I hope to expand as soon as it becomes viable. More drivers mean more people can be reached - and that’s my current focus.”


Image: Yorkshire Evening Post

Lea hopes her efforts will also help address the gender imbalance in the trade.

“I am hoping that the start of this business will encourage other women to join the industry, and one day there will be a more equal balance in the genders within the industry.

“Currently, only around 3% of drivers in the Leeds region are female. It would be lovely to see an increase in this number. If any ladies would like to find out more, I am more than happy to assist them in their journey!”

Red’s Private Hire can be booked by calling 01138 730 515 or by completing the booking form at www.redsprivatehire.co.uk.

So what were these 722 *reports* of driver misconduct? Were they upheld, or does that include vexatious or unfounded complaints?

Or maybe the complaints were about stuff like illegal fonts on the vehicle's numberplates?

And interesting that she's went for the whole gamut of LGBTQ+ thing, which means she thinks lesbians who don't like dick are transphobic

So presumably many lesbians and conventionally gay men will consider her homophobic

Apart from that, I'm sure it'll all go swimmingly

the press seem to love giving her lots of publicity

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

Why can't she just concentrate on building her business rather than slagging off other sections of the trade?

Clearly she thinks all of the men in the trade, despite many working in it for decades, are merely neanderthal idiots who don't care about their punters.

The chances of her being in the trade for decades are, IMO, nil.

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IDFIMH