Revolutionary Women-Only Taxi Service Addresses Safety Crisis in Dublin

In a groundbreaking move that highlights the urgent need for safer transport options, Ireland's first women-focused taxi service is set to launch in Dublin this month, offering female passengers the choice of a female driver through the innovative LadyCab platform.

This progressive initiative emerges from the lived experiences of founder Emanuela Negura, who witnessed firsthand the systemic failures that leave women vulnerable in our capital's transport ecosystem. Her determination to create change was sparked by a violent attack she endured while working as a taxi driver in July of last year.

A Personal Journey Towards Collective Safety

"I was attacked on a Saturday night in the city centre by a male passenger who tried to get in my car," Ms Negura recounted. "He tried to smash my window, grabbed me by the neck and hit me. It wasn't even dark. I realised how exposed we are as taxi drivers to Dublin's nightlife dangers."

The incident revealed a troubling lack of solidarity within the industry. Despite having three taxi drivers behind her, none came to her assistance, highlighting the isolation that drivers, particularly women, face in moments of crisis.

"There's no support. You know if something goes wrong, you are on your own," she explained, articulating a reality that demands urgent reform.

Addressing a Systemic Problem

LadyCab's mission extends beyond individual safety to address broader social inequalities. The service's tagline, "every woman deserves to get home safe," has resonated powerfully across social media platforms, generating an outpouring of support from women sharing their own troubling experiences.

Ms Negura's TikTok posts have attracted direct messages from women nationwide detailing negative taxi experiences ranging from inappropriate questioning to sexual assault. These testimonies reveal uncomfortable truths about power dynamics and safety in our transport system.

"Some women avoid coming to Dublin and don't feel comfortable going out because they're worried about their safety," she noted. "In 2025, not feeling comfortable to go out in your own town is just unacceptable."

Creating Opportunities for Women Workers

Beyond passenger safety, LadyCab addresses gender inequality within the taxi industry itself. Ms Negura aims to create a supportive community for female drivers who are currently "reluctant" to join the industry due to perceived dangers, particularly during night shifts.

This reluctance is validated by recent FreeNow survey data showing 31% of taxi drivers feel unsafe while working, with a third reporting decreased safety compared to the previous year. Alarmingly, 64% have ended shifts early due to safety concerns.

Svetlana Onofras, one of the drivers joining LadyCab, exemplifies this reality: "I try to pick up female passengers while driving at night. Then they feel safe with me and I feel safe with them."

Institutional Gaps and Reform Needs

Ms Negura has identified concerning gaps in official oversight, noting that the National Transport Authority doesn't record the number of women working in the taxi industry, making it impossible to properly assess gender imbalance or implement targeted support measures.

While the NTA's March 2024 survey reported positive safety perceptions among passengers, with 71% feeling safer travelling home by taxi after nights out, these statistics don't capture the nuanced experiences that LadyCab seeks to address.

Community Response and Future Vision

The service has already attracted pre-bookings from parents seeking "peace of mind" for their children's journeys home. "No more late rides for me to collect my kids," was a typical response Ms Negura received.

LadyCab plans to expand across Ireland, following successful models in other European countries that have recognised the need for women-centred transport solutions.

This initiative represents more than a business venture; it's a response to systemic inequalities that have long been overlooked. By creating safer spaces for both drivers and passengers, LadyCab challenges us to reimagine how public services can better serve all citizens, particularly those who have been marginalised or made vulnerable by existing systems.

As Ireland continues to evolve as a modern, inclusive society, initiatives like LadyCab demonstrate how grassroots innovation can address institutional failures and create meaningful change for working people.