Is It Even Safe For Our Women To Get Into A Taxi Alone These Days?

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-170276/No-woman-safe-minicab-says-rape-judge.html

/// Police figures show that 214 women were sexually assaulted in the capital last year after getting into illegal minicabs and 54 raped. ///

But it would appear that the Transport for London is withholding information on the number of women who are sexually assaulted when they get into taxi cabs, why could this be?

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/uk-minicab-drivers-claim-tfl-hiding-data-sexual-assaults-taxis-they-are-demanding-truth-1544945

[Islay]

One of the most prolific serial rapists was a licensed black cab driver.

I never felt at risk when I lived in the capitol and I don't feel at risk now.

[hc4361]

These women weren't in taxis or minicabs, though - they were unlicensed vehicles.

[whiskeryron]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/road-safety/9573645/Women-only-taxi-firms.html

[anotheoldgit]

hc4361

/// These women weren't in taxis or minicabs, though - they were unlicensed vehicles. ///

How could they or anyone else know that when they get into a mincab.

/// "At the moment, when a member of the public takes a cab he has no assurance that the driver is who he claims to be or has got any insurance or driving licence. He has no way of knowing how the driver conducts his business. ///

[anotheoldgit]

A 'Pink' cab whiskeryron, I wouldn't use one of those it might give out the wrong impression. :0)

[woofgang]

Given that no one and nothing is 100% safe anywhere at any time. I would like to see those figures for attack as a percentage of the number of journeys made in London by women using minicabs.

[hc4361]

AOG, a minicab has to be ordered either at the cab office or over the phone.
From your link:
In London, men and women desperate to get home have resorted to hailing unlicensed "taxi touts" who ply for trade by driving through the city's entertainment areas.

[237SJ]

"how could they or anyone else know that when they get into a minicab" I was talking to a driver from a minicab firm that I use and he said that they all have to carry their licence with them and it is available to view on demand. I don`t have a problem with that. I have never felt unsafe when getting into a black cab (rare) or minicab that I have ordered. I wouldn`t use Uber though - I don`t think the safeguards are there and I don`t want some "random" turning up because he is in the area.

[whiskeryron]

// A 'Pink' cab whiskeryron, I wouldn't use one of those it might give out the wrong impression. :0) // I would not for one minute imagine you in a pink cab AOG sweetie XXX

[woofgang]

BTW...I really dislike the phrase “our women” I am not anybody’s woman.

[237SJ]

^ seconded

[EcclesCake]

Thirded

[VHG]

>>AOG, a minicab has to be ordered either at the cab office or over the phone.

This is a VERY important point.

You can "hail" a black cab, but cant "hail" a minicab, it has to have been already booked.

Anyone who hails what they THINK is a minicab is probably getting in a car with a total stranger, with all the risks that entails.

[Mamyalynne]

It's paramount when using cabs to try to be as safe as possible - another tip, never say as the car you think you have booked pulls up 'Are you for Miss X?'


Always ask 'Who are you picking up?'. If they don't know and the booking office can't tell them , don't get in as they are an opportunist.

[anotheoldgit]

woofgang

/// BTW...I really dislike the phrase “our women” I am not anybody’s woman. ///

The things some choose to be offended about, they must lead a very lonely life.

[EcclesCake]

Lonely??? Woofgang is in a group of at least three!

'Our women', is a patronising and unpleasant term.

Your retort is unsavoury.

[Gromit]

TFL is clearly disciminating in favour of Black Cab dDrivers

A clear case of discrimination against white cab drivers.

Colour should not come into it.

[Eve]

I thought It depended on the area as to whether non-black cabs could pick up on street, years ago when I lived in Leeds they could and I had a horrible incident with one driver hailed off street. I do wonder now if it would have made a difference if he was booked via the operator.

You can't hail non-black cabs off the street in Manchester.

I like Uber for knowing things like the registration of the car coming and being able to track it, among other things, especially with another incident I had round here with a private hire.

[Hypognosis]

I was under the impression that the idea of Uber is that the user is presented with the name and photo of their driver, which they can store on their phone (and optionally piped to the cloud) and this is what inhibits the drivers from ripping users off, or offences up to - and beyond - the level under discussion?

Any correction would be appreciated.

If I have described a novel phone app idea, I hereby claim patent on it.

[Hypognosis]

(Eve's post wasn't there when I started typing and should not be mistaken for a response to her mention of Uber)