I'm out of town this weekend for a funeral, so I didn't have anything specific to post for Pink Saturday. Rather than dig through my photo files, I googled "pink" and came across an interesting service in the UK, as shown below.
According to their website, as of March 2006, "In London alone, 10 women are attacked each month after getting into an unlicensed mini-cab. No wonder that many women feel safer taking a taxi driven by a woman."
I've been to London twice ... in 2005 and 2006, both times with my husband ... and I've never seen a pink cab. But, as a woman who often travels alone for business and pleasure, I certainly understand the safety concerns that women sometimes have about cab drivers, especially those who take previously unknown "shortcuts" through deserted industrial areas late at night.
Again, according to their website:
"Pink Ladies spotted a business opportunity, and created the UK's first women-only private car hire franchise. The Pink Ladies drive Renault Kangoos that are pink inside and out, making them highly visible. Passengers sign up as members, and fares are either pre-paid, paid by credit card or with a 'pink account', which is both convenient for members and safe for drivers.
Booking is done over the phone, and a text message is sent to the customer to let her know the vehicle is approaching, which means she doesn't have to wait outside. Drivers are trained in self-defense and will wait outside a customer's home after a drop-off to ensure she gets in safely."
This seems to be a great idea that could catch on in many cities around the globe. The only problem I see is that, for the time being, Pink Ladies requires a membership, which means their services are not available to travelers and tourists.
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For a full list of this week's Pink Saturday participants,
please visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound
