Sabrina Vitale has heard several stories from women who have had bad experiences with male taxi drivers.
So the taxi driver of 15 years welcomes Swan Taxis’ move to introduce female-friendly taxis.
“I hear the stories, it’s innuendo, the hand on the knee,” she said. “I don’t think it is as bad as it used to be.”
The striking fleet was inspired by Perth radio host Heidi Anderson, who had a bad experience with a taxi driver last year. They will be available to men, too, but all have female drivers.
Anderson, 34, was approached by Swan Taxis after she shared her story on 92.9 and triggered a flurry of revelations from other Perth women.
She said with the recent rape and murder of Melbourne comedian Eurydice Dixon, it was the right time to launch the taxis.
“As much as we want to feel safe and empowered, the truth is stuff is happening,” Ms Anderson said.
“This is going to make a huge difference – it’s amazing.”
Swan Taxis is offering free pink taxi rides in Northbridge and the CBD, 9pm to 2am on Friday and Saturday.
This article originally appeared on The West Australian
