There are so many women around the world who have had horrible experiences involving cabs and car services like Uber. Every day there are women who feel unsafe, and who might even experience harassment or assault, but not much has been done to change things. At least until now.
According to BostInno, a husband and wife team is launching an Uber alternative just for women. The startup, Chariot for Women was created after Michael Pelletz, a former Uber driver, had an experience during which he felt especially unsafe, recounted on the company website: “A 20-something man stumbled into Michael’s backseat, incoherently babbling behind his rolled-back eyes. Something about grandmother’s house—it was clear he had no idea where, or perhaps even who, he was. He would pass out, wake up, squirm violently and reach repeatedly into his pocket before passing out again. With few options left, a horrified Michael spotted a nearby police officer, pulled over the car and ran out for help.”
After that night, Michael wondered what would have happened if it had been a woman driver in that situation—and he remembered that his wife had considered driving for Uber but said she was too afraid. He felt so unsafe himself in that situation and all he could think about was his wife and finding a better way to keep people safe, especially women passengers and drivers. So he and his wife created Chariot for Women, an app that will be a car service much like Uber, but with all drivers and passengers being women.
BostInno also writes that there will be a “safe word” that only the passenger and the driver will know. If the driver does not know the word, then the passenger knows not to get in the car.
One really cool aspect of Chariot for Women? Two percent of every fare goes to charity—and you get to decide where your part goes. The app will have 10 rotating charities every month, and you’ll get to choose which one you want your money to go to while you’re riding. A pretty awesome way to give back!
Chariot for Women will launch across the country on April 19.