In the wake of a rape of a call centre employee, Gurgaon Police has started autos, which will ferry only women. To start with 12 autos have been launched by the Gurgaon police. The exclusivity is to ensure that women can feel safe and secure when they venture out and travel by public transport. The local police has verified the drivers of these autos and the service is available on the main and at all the five Metro stations of the city.
And the catch is the autos which are coloured pink have fixed rates, so that drivers don’t fleece commuters. And if the police is to be believed they are looking for women drivers and might start “women only” bus services.
After the Delhi Metro reserved the first compartment of all the rails for ladies and now the pink autos, women in the city are looking forward to hassle-free travel. Though the services are limited to Gurgaon right now, many are optimistic and wish that Delhi Police too comes forward to address the issue of women safety.
Pratibha Nath, a bartender, says, “It will be a welcome move. We don’t expect any drastic changes, but I am happy that we are slowly moving towards a change.”
Agrees DU student Vibha Khattri and adds, “More than any exercises, it is the attitude that matters. If cops think that we should be provided with safe commuting, the concern is more than enough. At least we will feel secure thinking that we are in safe hands.”
Even men are happy that authorities are waking up to the need of a safe transport system. “The city is infamous for its crime record specially against women. I hope that they soon have women-only radio cabs so that they don’t have to depend on their male friends for a safe drive back home,” says Akshat Verma, a medical representative.