The transportation service company, Paxi, launched its women-only taxi on International Women’s Day.
Women usually face a lot of issues while hailing a ride in Pakistan. For their comfort and safety, Paxi has introduced Pink Taxi, the first women-exclusive taxi service — “for women and by women”. It is also a way to empower women in Pakistan by providing them the earning opportunities. In addition to being a Pakistani company, the other distinguishing feature of Paxi is that it is not solely app-based.
Not a solely app-based service
According to Sheikh Mohammad Zahid, Paxi Pakistan’s CEO, the service could be accessed through four modes including hailing a cab on the road, the phone app, call center and SMS service. The customers who don’t have access to smartphone apps can avail the call center and SMS service. The name and phone number will be used to verify the passenger and a four-digit PIN will be issued so that when the cab reaches the customer, she can ask the driver the code to book or initiate a ride.
CEO also said they are starting with 10 drivers, referred to as ‘pilots’, but intend to expand to Lahore and Islamabad in the next three to four months followed by other parts of the country.
Other services
Other than Pink Taxi, Paxi has also launched a ‘motorbike taxi’ for single commuters who don’t have to be female and a normal cab service ‘Paxi Taxi’ like Uber and Careem that anyone can access. Paxi currently has a total of 33 vehicles including 12 Pink Taxis, 6 Paxi Taxis and 15 Bike Taxis.
This was announced at the soft launch of the service in view of the occasion of Women’s Day. Paxi will formally hit the streets of Karachi on March 23, Pakistan Day.
Source: Express Tribune
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