Here's Why Women Everywhere Will Delete Uber Today
Ladies, your chariot has arrived. Never be afraid of your ride home again.
Ladies, has riding in an Uber ever made you uncomfortable?
Without a doubt, Uber is one of the most popular and convenient ways to get around. A lot of people have safe and efficient rides; however, the actual number of sexual assault claims levied against Uber drivers tells a different story.
According to BuzzFeed News, a former Uber customer service representative (CSR) provided screenshots of a search query of the Uber database, in which driver tickets are stored. The results are disturbing. A search for the words "sexual assault" returned 6,160 tickets, and the search "rape" returned 5,827 individual tickets.
Now does that make you uncomfortable, even if you may not have experienced a threat firsthand? Good, because it should.
Here's something that will give you your comfort back. On April 19, the app Chariot for Women is launching, and the creators of the app think that you shouldn't have to put up with an uncomfortable ride ever again. We couldn't agree more.
Here are the top reasons why you should abandon your Uber and arrive in a Chariot.
Reason #1: Chariot for Women was created by a former Uber driver who realized that Uber often isn't the best option for women. So, he created that option.
The premise behind Chariot for Women is simple: rides for women, by women (transwomen included!). That means only ladies (and males under age 13) can request rides. When your chariot arrives, there will be a lady behind the wheel. Every single ride, every single time.
The app was created by Michael Pelletz, a former Uber driver from Boston.
According to BostonInno and the Chariot for Women website, the idea for the app came from Pelletz's experience driving up to 17 hours a day to support his wife and three children. Pelletz told BostonInno that he had several encounters that left him feeling unsafe behind the wheel.
During one scary ride, a disoriented, incoherently babbling passenger climbed into the back seat of Pelletz's car. The rider became so agitated, repeatedly reaching for something concealed in his pocket, that Pelletz pulled over and alerted the police.
"What if I was a woman?" Pelletz recalls thinking. "How would a woman handle that situation, especially when I was so nervous myself?" That's when he realized how potentially dangerous an Uber ride can be for a woman, be she driving or riding.
First of all: Thank you, Michael Pelletz, for putting yourself in someone else's shoes. Secondly, thank you for not just having that perspective-shifting thought, but for taking it one step further and working toward a solution. Third: There's potential for Chariot for Women to impact survivors of sexual assault and harassment in an incredibly positive way, and that could not be a bigger deal.
Reason #2: The app's functions were designed to make women feel as safe as possible.
Each member of Chariot for Women's exclusively-female driver squad will be thoroughly background-checked before she's accepted to the platform. Just like Uber, a passenger will see a picture of her driver, as well as the car's make and license plate number, when she requests a ride.
There will also be a "safe word" sent to the potential passenger. If the driver knows the right word, the ride can begin; if she does not, the passenger knows not to get into the car.
Knowing your driver is qualified? Check. Knowing who's picking you up? Check. Even after all of that, knowing a safe word to reassure you even more? Check.
Reason #3: A portion of every fare goes to charity.
Pelletz's wife, Kelly, is the president of Chariot for Women. According to their website, Kelly's greatest joy is helping other people, and she's putting that passion into action. Kelly implemented a plan for 2% of every single fare, 24 hours a day, to be donated to women-focused charities. This means more money to foundations that are trying to cure diseases, end violence and abuse, help empower women and more. Every month, there will be a list of 10 local and national charities, chosen by customers through the app. While a passenger is in the car, a popup will come up displaying these 10 charities and she can immediately choose where her 2% goes. As soon as she hits the button, the charity will immediately get the money deposited in its bank account.
So basically, ladies will not only be provided with safe, secure rides from fellow females, but also have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, significant charitable organizations. You can pinch yourself, but you're not dreaming.
And you shouldn't have to feel like you're dreaming when it comes to a service providing you with the fundamental safety you deserve.
April 19 can't come soon enough.