WILL UK CITIES FOLLOW? German cities lead the way by offering taxi vouchers to improve night-time safety for women
German cities are leading efforts to make night-time travel safer for women by introducing taxi voucher schemes. These initiatives aim to provide financial support for women seeking safer transport options during late hours, an idea that could hold potential for implementation in the UK.
In Cologne, a new scheme has come into effect on 16 December 2024. Women will be eligible for up to three taxi vouchers, each worth €10, for use between 10pm and 6am. The measure specifically targets the heightened risks women face at night, enabling safer and more affordable travel options.
A similar scheme has been operational in Munich, where women can access vouchers worth €10 for journeys to residential addresses during the same hours. Women can collect the vouchers from several city offices, including libraries and social centres, with no cap on how many visits they can make to replenish their supply. The initiative includes trans women, non-binary individuals, and others with the gender entry “diverse” to ensure inclusivity.
Munich’s programme has proven popular, prompting a permanent extension from January 2024. The municipal subsidy was also increased, doubling the support for individual journeys to €10.
Such schemes could address safety concerns raised by women in the UK. In London, Mayor Sadiq Khan has highlighted that many women prefer taxis and private hire vehicles due to safety concerns on public transport, particularly at night. While Transport for London (TfL) invests in policing and works to build public confidence, there has been no formal assessment of the financial challenges this preference may pose for women.
The question remains whether a taxi voucher scheme could complement existing safety measures in the UK. It would require close collaboration between local councils, transport authorities, and taxi operators. German cities have shown that such initiatives can be effective, but their implementation in the UK would depend on securing funding and public support.
