Improving transport safety for women: What it means for the taxi industry

A recent report from the Department for Transport and Connected Places Catapult presents new insights into how the transport industry can address the safety of women and girls, particularly when using public transport.

This report, commissioned in response to rising concerns about violence against women and girls (VAWG), outlines critical steps to enhance personal safety, including recommendations that have direct relevance for the taxi and private hire sectors.

The report calls for an integrated approach across all modes of transport, including taxis, to ensure women and girls feel safer throughout their journeys. One key issue highlighted is the underreporting of incidents, which means the scale of the problem is not fully understood. Many women feel unsafe when using public transport, particularly at night, and this impacts their willingness to use services, including taxis.

For the taxi industry, the report suggests several potential interventions. Increasing staff presence, ensuring drivers are trained to handle incidents, and having clearer, more effective reporting mechanisms for both drivers and passengers are key areas that could be improved. By addressing these areas, the taxi industry could not only enhance the safety of its passengers but also attract more women to use taxis as a reliable and safe mode of transport.

There is also a recommendation for the use of technology to aid safety. This could involve apps that allow passengers to report harassment or misconduct directly, potentially in real-time. Having these systems integrated with emergency services or local authorities could significantly reduce incidents and improve the perception of taxis as a safe travel option. For taxi operators, implementing such systems could offer a competitive edge while contributing to wider safety improvements.

Taxis often form a critical part of late-night travel, especially when other public transport options are limited. Therefore, the sector has a unique opportunity to play a leading role in making travel safer for women, particularly at times when risks are perceived to be highest. Increased lighting at taxi ranks, CCTV in vehicles, and ensuring that female passengers are dropped off as close to their destination as possible are practical, immediately actionable steps that could improve safety.

The findings and recommendations in this report offer the taxi industry both a challenge and an opportunity. By adopting new practices, investing in safety technology, and creating a supportive environment for women passengers, taxis can become an even more integral part of a safer, more inclusive transport system.