CHARLTON, Mass. — Women uncomfortable with getting in an Uber or taxi with a man they don’t know, or female drivers wary of picking up men, will soon have a new option: Chariot For Women.
The up-and-coming ride-sharing service was started by Michael Pelletz, a former Uber driver, after he became concerned with his wife and daughters’ safety, WTIC reported.
He recalled a time while driving when he had to call police for help; he quit soon after.
“[The passenger would] say take left, pass out for 10 minutes, take a right, pass out for ten minutes, and I started to get nervous,” Pelletz told WTIC. “Imagine, if this were my wife or a woman? I was scared. How would they be able to handle this?”
Thus Chariots For Women was born. It is expected to launch in a few weeks.
The service uses only female drivers and only gives rides to women, girls and boys under 13. It also sends a safety code for each ride so passengers know they’re getting in the right car when their Chariot arrives.
The app also donates 2 percent of each fare to a charity the passenger picks from a list of 10 options.
Pelletz said he has received interest from hundreds of potential drivers across the country as well as in Canada. Each applicant must pass a strict background check before becoming a driver.
“I have a daughter, a freshman. She will be in college soon and she could use this service and feel safe,” said Julie Kleszczysnski, who got in touch with Pelletz about becoming a driver as soon as she heard the idea.
Pelletz addressed concerns about the no-men policy, adding he has an attorney prepared to help him if he is accused of discrimination.
“We’re not just gonna turn someone down who’s dying on the side of the road or needs help,” he said. “If you identify as a woman, you’re more than welcome to drive for us, ride with us.”
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