A SAFETY app first launched in Inverness in response to concerns for women’s safety while using transport is set to be rolled out to taxi companies in the Highlands and Islands.
The SafeKab system was brought in by Inverness Taxis in 2023 and will now be partnering with independent operators in Moray and Stornoway, as well in Cambridge and Bristol – and will be available in the next few weeks.
The app includes features such as a one-time code for each journey to confirm the correct car and passengers are also sent an image of a preferred driver and details of the vehicle.
Through SafeKab, they can also share their journey information with family or a friend.
The app also has a built-in panic button.
29-year-old Julie has been using the SafeKab app for about six months.
She told the Press and Journal: “I use it mostly for getting home from a night in the town.
“Before I used to get a taxi from the taxi rank. I never really liked this because I never knew what driver I was going to get.
“I get full details on SafeKab plus I get a code that the driver must show to me.
“I like this because I know I’m getting into the car I ordered and everything is recorded.”
Inverness Taxis owner Gavin Johnston, meanwhile, told the newspaper: “Previously, people ordered a cab by flagging one down or phoning or emailing and you took what turned up. There was no control.
“We wanted to change all that, to give people control. They could choose what they are getting and see who they are getting.
“Feedback has been great and we’re now at the stage of rolling out to other parts of UK.
“SafeKab needs to be a national app to succeed.
“There are more than 400,000 taxi drivers in the UK. If we get 20% of that market I’d be very happy.”
