Yong Ai Li was driving part-time for an e-hailing company for three years.
But she decided to become a driver for Malaysia’s women-and-children-only e-hailing service Riding Pink after she was harassed by a passenger.
The 45-year-old single mother, who has been a Pink driver since 2019, said the traumatic experience forced her to be more selective when she drives now.
“Now, I only drive for women and children passengers.
“Both women passengers and I feel safer and more relaxed during rides, especially during late hours and long trips as it brings relief for us who were wary of sharing a car ride with strangers — especially those from the opposite sex.”
The e-hailing service started garnering the attention of more women especially those who were looking to supplement their income amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Their Pinkids programme allows parents to plan their children’s weekly rides.
Yong said she has also earned the trust and confidence of women passengers to be able to get recurring passengers through her punctuality and efficiency on the road.
Having worked as an accountant, long hours were poured into work and this affected Yong’s work-life balance as well as spending time with her children.
“I decided to leave my job and drive full-time with Riding Pink and have been able to earn as much as what she used to earn in her previous job.
“Working as a driver is also more comfortable than doing other jobs because I can enjoy the benefits of working on my own schedule.”
Yong said that Riding Pink — a platform exclusively for women drivers and passengers where both parties feel safer and more relaxed during rides especially during late hours and long trips.
“Both my female and male friends were happy for me when they found out that I work with a women-and-children-only platform as they too find it empowering and safety-focused than other ride-hailing platforms.”
She has even encouraged her friends to sign up as a driver or to use the service as a passenger.
SOURCE: malaymail
