Chandigarh: Transport Dept. Raises Concern over Women’s Safety in Baxi

The new age, cab aggregators and auto aggregators are now giving way to bike aggregators. There is no doubt that these are going to be significantly cheaper option. However, amidst the rising concerns of women's safety on public transport how many women would actually prefer hiring a Baxi over a cab?

Chandigarh’s transport department has also shown distress over women’s safety in Baxi service before commencing it in the city.

In a meeting, the officials decided to make it mandatory that Baxi service should have a decent percentage of women drivers. It will make women feel comfortable and save some money as compared to hiring a personal cab or auto.

“The meeting raised the issue of how would the company ensure that women passengers are safe with the male drivers. So the only solution was to have some percentage of women drivers for women passengers only,” said an officer of the State Transport Authority,The Indian Express reported.

The department will have another meeting next month to discuss the necessary rules and regulations that all companies having bike-taxi service will have to follow. This will help them to start their services in Chandigarh. Also, it will reflect upon the various issues women may face in terms of safety, while availing public transport.

ALSO READ: Rural Indians To Get Women-Driven Public Transport

On the issue of transfer of infection when customers wear common helmets, the official said, “The company can get in shower caps for the passengers who can wear them below the helmet. This would help in avoiding infection that could pass on using the same helmet.”

A number of sexual harassment cases have emerged against the cab aggregators like Uber and Ola. Therefore, the Supreme Court recently ordered for a regulatory system for app-based cab-aggregators.

A bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta ordered the centre to discuss the safety of these apps.

Furthermore, Indira Jaisingh, the Amicus Curiae in the case, told the panel about the reckless behaviour of the nodal companies. Also, she brought to notice that the companies do not put their drives through thorough background checks. After listening to Jaisingh’s statements, the bench requested additional solicitor general Pinky Anand to research and formulate rules for the safety of commuters.

In this regard, the next hearing will take place on December 7.

Picture credit- Hindustan Times