Over the past few years, India has been witnessing a horrifying surge in cases of harassment and abuse of women at the hands of taxi drivers. From Bengaluru to Delhi, women have had traumatic experiences on what should have been simple rides. These cases not only point to the helplessness of women but also to the imperative necessity of safer modes of transportation.
A 34-year-old woman was sexually harassed on her morning walk by a cab driver in Bengaluru, an act taped on CCTV and shared extensively online. In another shocking case, a Lucknow cab driver tried to rape a woman after giving her a ride; she escaped when she jumped out of the moving cab. Perhaps most famously, in 2019, a woman was harassed by an Ola cab driver, prompting the Karnataka High Court to direct the company to pay Rs 5 lakh as compensation.
These instances are not individual incidents but fall within a larger trend of poor safety protocols and responsibility in the ride-hailing sector. Numerous companies have faced criticism for their weak background checks and poor victim support. The absence of robust protocols not only puts passengers at risk but also taints the public’s perception of these services.
Identifying such challenges, OTO Cabs has become a haven of hope for safer rides, particularly for women. Having been founded by Lucky Gupta, OTO Cabs runs on a subscription model that does not apply the system of commission, keeping riders’ fare prices fair and providing steady income for drivers. This model decreases the stress on drivers to earn more money from back-to-back rides, which could result in safer driving habits.
Lucky Gupta highlights, “Women’s safety is not merely a feature; it’s an inherent right. At OTO Cabs, we have deployed stringent driver verification processes, mandatory gender sensitivity training, and live ride tracking so that our commuters feel safe every step of the way.”
OTO Cabs’ commitment does not just stop at policies. OTO Cabs actively works with local law enforcement agencies to ensure prompt response in the event of any reported occurrence. OTO Cabs also maintains a dedicated 24/7 helpline for passengers, guaranteeing prompt support whenever needed.
In a landscape where women’s safety in public transportation remains a pressing concern, OTO Cabs stands out by prioritizing the well-being of its passengers. By addressing the root causes of safety issues and implementing comprehensive measures, OTO Cabs exemplifies how ride-hailing services can and should operate.
