KOZHIKODE: ‘She Taxis,’ launched by the state government with the help of Gender Park as a bold experiment in women empowerment and employment, have few takers now.
The ‘She Taxi’ with Manju Warrier, cine actress, as its brand ambassador and Minister for Social Welfare Dr M.K. Muneer as its patron has not been making much profit. The woman drivers hardly earn Rs 6,000 monthly as against a loan repayment commitment of '10,800.
“Though we have proved our skills in driving and passed all the tests of the Gender Park, the people are still hesitant to pick our services, which were announced as the safest mode of transportation for women,” says a driver plying through Kozhikode city.
According to her, though ‘She Taxi’ charges are very reasonable compared to the other services, the passengers do not avail of their services.
Thirteen per cent of the profit has to be paid to the call centre which directs the calls to the She Taxi. Repair works and the interest rates come to around eight percent.
“After all these, we rarely get enough money for our family needs,” she pointed out. But Mr Muneer said that no venture will make a profit initially. It may take some time for the She Taxis to become popular, he said.
“The same project has been replicated in many other districts and we will ensure all assistance to them,” he said.
