Taxi and private hire services remain vital for disabled women, but some fare refusal concerns remain, study reveals
A recent study commissioned by the Department for Transport has revealed significant safety challenges faced by disabled women when using taxis, private hire vehicles, and other forms of transport.
Conducted by Open Inclusion, the research centred around the experiences of six disabled women navigating a variety of travel environments. Their stories highlight a critical need for safer travel options for those with disabilities, especially when using services such as taxis and ride-hailing.
Disabled women often encounter difficulties that extend beyond their disability alone. Their experiences of harassment and vulnerability are shaped by a combination of factors, including gender and disability. For instance, the study highlighted that female passengers with visible disabilities—such as those using wheelchairs or guide dogs—are frequently targeted for unwanted attention and harassment, underlining the vulnerability inherent in their public interactions.
Taxis and private hire vehicles emerged as both a solution and in some cases a concern. While they can reduce the need for disabled women to wait alone in isolated or poorly lit areas, problems remain, particularly around some driver behaviour. Women reported that drivers from ride-hailing services would often refuse their fares after seeing their guide dogs or wheelchairs, leaving them in potentially unsafe situations. This unpredictability forces disabled women to constantly assess and adjust their travel plans, an added stress that their non-disabled peers may not face.
A participant in the study said: “As a guide dog owner there is a struggle to get rides using Uber and other rideshare apps. Uber [drivers] have always cancelled my journey as soon as they have seen me and my guide dog.”
The study also identified that disabled women are more reliant on the behaviour of others during travel. Interactions with drivers, fellow passengers, and bystanders are crucial. Negative experiences—such as drivers refusing to assist or bystanders ignoring requests for help—can have a substantial impact on their sense of safety. Participants suggested that simple interventions, such as better public awareness and training for taxi drivers, could significantly improve these travel experiences.
The report also pointed to the potential of technology in enhancing safety. Participants highlighted the use of location-sharing apps and real-time communication tools as essential safety measures. They called for new applications designed specifically to enhance the safety of female travellers, including options to signal distress discreetly to trusted contacts or transport providers.
