Goa Tourism has rolled out a taxi service exclusively for women residents and tourists. The swanky new taxis will also be driven only by women.
As an added bonus, the women drivers will also act as guides and receive training in self defence.
Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar flagged off the special service yesterday at Miramar; thus making Goa one of the few states in the country to have taxis driven by women, for women passengers.
Maria Almeida, a women taxi driver, said, "This kind of project will give women a chance to prove themselves and making them self sufficient. We will definitely prove ourselves, that we are going to be a good guide and hospitality and give them a good service."
Dilip Parulekar, Minister of Tourism Goa, added, "For all the taxis we will provide meters and Wi-Fi. For self defence, the women drivers have been trained in karate and martial arts. With this project, definitely, tourists will enjoy."
In the past, the issue of taxi services had often threatened to stall the progress of tourism in Goa and the government initiated this move to encourage tourism and empower women.