Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 12: Noted actress and dancer Ms. Manju Warrier has been designated as the goodwill ambassador for the Kerala Government – backed ‘She Taxi’ service launching next week.
She has volunteered to support the transport service which has been initiated by the Gender Park, an institution set up by the Department of Social Justice, Department of Kerala to work towards achieving gender equity.
She Taxis, owned and driven by women entrepreneurs, will roll out as part of a pilot project in the state capital on November 19 at a ceremony attended by dignitaries including Ms Warrier, who expressed her willingness after hearing about the project.
“As someone who has had first-hand experience of the difficulties and worries of travelling in unfamiliar cities at odd hours, I know how important a service of this kind will be to women. I’m sure this is an idea that will catch on quick,” she said. “I also respect the women who have come forward to operate these taxis given the challenges they are expected to face in a male-dominated business.”
Once fully operational ‘She Taxi’ will be a 24X7 service available for booking via mobile phones and online. Women travelling alone or with families will be able to dial a toll free number connecting to a customer care centre.
They will get a Unique Identification Code and the vehicle number on their mobile phones. All cabs will be metered and will have an electronic payment system allowing the user to pay using credit or debit cards or cash.
The She Taxis will come with multiple security systems for the safety of the drivers as well as the passengers. A control room will track the taxis in real-time using GPS; there will be personal emergency alert switches for drivers and passengers inside the car; and a similar safety alert app will be installed on the mobile phones of the women drivers.
The cabs will have a map of all emergency response systems in the city and public safety officers will be available for their assistance. The drivers will also be given training in self-defence as well as good driving practices.
The Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation, Maruti Suzuki Ltd and Technopark-based Rain Concert Technologies are associates in the project.