Women-Led Bike Taxi Service Set To Launch in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: A city‑based start‑up is set to introduce a bike taxi service providing last‑mile connectivity for women commuters, scheduled to begin from September 1 with 50 women riders. The pilot will operate from the Metro Rail stations at Ameerpet, Uppal, Nagole, Hitec City and Madhapur.

Shirisha Goudicherla, one of the riders, said, “We are among the first batch ready to take up duties. The company is recruiting more riders, aiming for 50 in total. With lucrative salaries and incentives, this looks encouraging for many of us.”

Explaining why fewer women take up such jobs, author Pritima Jaidev said, “The transport and aggregator sector remains heavily male‑dominated, creating intimidating operational environments and a lack of peer support networks for female drivers.”

Transport experts pointed out that incidents such as the alleged rape of a woman cabin crew member en route to Shamshabad airport highlight the urgent need for women riders and drivers. They added that many women drivers dropped out earlier due to irregular or low pay, making it difficult to sustain livelihoods against high vehicle maintenance and rental costs. They suggested that the government should provide greater incentives compared to male drivers’ pay.

Krishnaveni Chitrala, founder of Zippintella Women Bike Taxi, said, “This is a much‑needed service in Hyderabad. We studied the shortfalls and introduced these rides with an encouraging pay scale.”

She explained the product module as “a first‑of‑its‑kind women‑led electric mobility platform that addresses two critical challenges in urban cities — safe transportation for women and the transition to sustainable mobility. Trained women drivers will operate electric two‑wheelers, creating a safe, reliable and eco‑friendly commuting option.”