Women-Only Taxi Service "Pinker" to Launch in Portugal
A groundbreaking new taxi platform, Pinker, is set to debut in Portugal, within days, offering women a safer and more secure travel option. Created by Mónica Faneco, Pinker provides taxi services exclusively driven by women, catering specifically to female passengers.
A Safer Alternative for Women
The platform was developed to address safety concerns many women face when traveling alone in taxis. Faneco emphasized the importance of confidence and comfort in her service, explaining:
"We want to bring safety and confidence to women in our services, as an alternative to what exists."
The initiative has already garnered significant interest, with over 1,000 women registering to join as drivers before the official launch. After Lisbon, plans are in place to expand operations to Porto and other Portuguese cities.
Years in the Making
Pinker’s concept was initially envisioned in 2019 but gained traction during the Covid-19 pandemic, as Faneco refined and expanded the idea. She described the challenge of building a 100% Portuguese platform, saying it required significant investment and time to launch successfully.
Feedback for the service has been overwhelmingly positive, with support from both women and men. Faneco noted, “Men have daughters and wives; they tell me it’s an excellent alternative.”
Competing with Industry Giants
Pinker enters a market dominated by global ridesharing giants like Uber and Bolt, which have operated in Portugal for six years. Despite the competition, Pinker’s unique model provides a compelling alternative for female passengers seeking added safety.
Addressing a Global Concern
The rise of women-only taxi services underscores persistent concerns about women's safety in transport worldwide. Studies and reports from cities like London and countries like the U.S. have highlighted alarming rates of sexual offenses in taxi and private hire vehicles. For instance:
- In London, 2021 saw 182 reported sexual offenses in taxis, including 20 rapes, according to Transport for London.
- In the U.S., Uber disclosed nearly 3,800 incidents of severe sexual assault in 2019 and 2020.
While societal changes and stricter regulations are needed to address these issues comprehensively, services like Pinker provide an immediate and reassuring solution for women seeking safe travel options.
Future Aspirations
Faneco hopes Pinker will not only provide a safer alternative but also foster broader awareness and change in the transportation industry. For now, the platform offers women in Portugal a secure way to travel and greater peace of mind.