Overview
DriveHer founder Joel Rushton's lightbulb moment for a women-only ridesharing service came after learning about Australia's Shebah. Speaking with Stuff.co.nz, the University of Auckland law student said he often worried about his partner's safety when she caught taxis home late at night. It's a pressing concern in New Zealand given that between 2006 and 2015 more than 300 P-endorsed drivers had their licenses revoked or declined due to sexual offending.
The New Zealand-owned and operated service DriveHer offers solely female drivers for female riders. Rushton said that the service is about "providing women with more choices." The company's website states that the drivers are fully vetted to "take the guess work out of getting home or going out, guaranteeing you a safe, relaxed journey."
In the same format as global ridesharing giant, Uber, users can arrange a DriveHer car by using a dedicated app. Anyone who identifies as female can create a rider account. Men can also use the service but only when travelling with a woman. They also are requested to sit in the back.
Rushton is currently seeking female drivers for the service. DriveHer is pencilled to launch in Auckland in October, before servicing all other major cities across New Zealand. For more information about DriveHer, visit driveher.co.nz.
Source: Stuff.co.nz.