Safety and dignity during travel are major concerns for many women in Gauteng. In response, discussions around implementing women-only ride options (whether in taxis, e-hailing, or buses) have gained traction. This article explores whether women-only transport services can work in Gauteng, considering social realities, existing initiatives, and the potential benefits and challenges.
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Why Women-Only Transport Options?
Women in Gauteng, like in many parts of the world, experience harassment, violence, and discrimination in public transport. The crowded and male-dominated nature of many transport modes, especially minibus taxis, often exposes women to physical and verbal abuse. Creating women-only spaces aims to provide safer, more comfortable travel environments, and empower women as both commuters and transport operators.
Existing Support for Women in Transport in Gauteng
Gauteng’s government recognises the challenges faced by women in the transport industry. Recently, the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport launched the Public Transport Women’s Help Desk, a transformative initiative supporting women in taxi services, e-hailing, bus operations, and learner transport.
The Help Desk, led by MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, provides:
- Legal assistance
- Business development tools
- Training and mentorship
- Mechanisms to report abuse and discrimination
This initiative seeks to empower women to become leaders, business owners, and safer transport professionals. It acknowledges the historic marginalisation women have faced in the sector and aims to change that.
Can Women-Only Ride Services Meet Demand?
Market research and local feedback indicate strong demand from women for dedicated transport services. Women-only rides can:
- Reduce instances of sexual harassment
- Provide a sense of security and peace of mind
- Encourage more women to use public transport confidently
Globally, several cities have introduced women-only taxis or vehicles on public transport lines with varying degrees of success. Gauteng could learn from these models while tailoring services to local conditions.
Bolt’s Women-Only Ride Offering
Adding to the local e-hailing options, Bolt, one of Gauteng’s leading ride-hailing platforms, has introduced a women-only ride service. This service allows female passengers to request rides exclusively with female drivers. Launched as part of Bolt’s commitment to rider safety and inclusivity, the initiative aims to provide a safe, comfortable travel option that addresses safety concerns specific to women. The service is especially popular in urban areas where women seek an alternative to general ride-hailing options that sometimes feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
Uber’s Women-Only Safety Initiatives
Similarly, Uber South Africa offers women enhanced safety options through its platform. It has implemented features focused on women’s safety, such as allowing users to share trip details with trusted contacts, access emergency assistance directly through the app, and report incidents swiftly. Uber also offers a RideCheck feature that detects unusual stops or potential crashes. The company actively promotes the recruitment and training of female drivers to increase female-to-female ride options, aligning with their broader commitment to fostering safer and more inclusive transport experiences for women.
Challenges to Implementation
Despite benefits, women-only ride options face challenges:
- Cost and affordability: Specialized services may cost more.
- Operational logistics: Scheduling and routing women-only vehicles alongside general fleets.
- Social attitudes: Resistance from some commuters and operators.
- Enforcement: Ensuring rules and boundaries are respected on women-only rides.
The existing male dominance in the taxi industry requires structural transformation to facilitate women-focused services.
Government and Industry Commitment
MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela emphasises that transformation in public transport is a responsible, collective effort. Support for women will be practical, not symbolic, offering opportunities for leadership and ownership in transport.
The government is working with taxi associations, unions, and community organisations to create an inclusive environment. This includes campaigns to raise awareness of the importance of women’s safety and equality in transport.
Benefits Beyond Safety
Women-only options do more than increase safety, they encourage women’s economic participation by:
- Providing access to transport jobs traditionally closed to women
- Creating female-led businesses in the transport sector
- Empowering women as decision-makers and role models
By fostering these changes, Gauteng’s transport system can help close gender gaps and support broader social equity.
What Needs to Happen for Women-Only Rides to Succeed?
To succeed, Gauteng needs:
- Robust stakeholder partnerships between government, transport operators, and women’s groups
- Clear policies and guidelines supporting women-only services
- Awareness campaigns to educate the public on benefits
- Monitoring and evaluation to measure progress and address problems
- Financial support and incentives to encourage women operators and affordable fares
Community Safety
Women-only ride options in Gauteng have the potential to improve transport safety and empower women economically. However, realising this potential requires coordinated efforts, cultural shifts, and sustained support.
As Gauteng pioneers initiatives like the Public Transport Women’s Help Desk, it sets the foundation for inclusive mobility solutions. Women-only services can complement these efforts, helping transform how women move through the province.
