URGENT UPDATE: An Australian woman is urging others to try the new rideshare app Shebah, citing serious safety concerns with traditional platforms like Uber. Kat Zam, 34, finally felt safe getting home from Melbourne Airport after using Shebah for the first time last month, following numerous unsettling experiences with rideshare services.
Zam, who returned from a trip to Bali with her partner, revealed her fear of rideshares had kept her from using them for over two years. “I haven’t used Uber or DiDi in such a long time because I just didn’t feel comfortable, especially late at night,” she told Yahoo News. Her discomfort stemmed from inappropriate behavior from drivers, including questions about her age and relationship status, leading to a profound fear for her safety.
However, after learning that Shebah exclusively employs female drivers and prioritizes passenger safety, Zam decided to give it a chance. “Jumping in the car with a female driver who ‘gets it’ was game-changing,” she said. The 30-minute ride home brought her a sense of relief she had never experienced before in rideshares. “I’m definitely going to keep using it.”
Zam’s story highlights a growing concern regarding safety for women and gender-diverse passengers in rideshare services. Research from the University of Melbourne in 2022 revealed that women face disproportionate rates of harassment and assault while using rideshares. Professor Bianca Fileborn indicated that while most passengers feel secure, those who experience harassment are often women or gender-diverse individuals.
Tragic incidents have reinforced these fears. In a shocking report from Yahoo News, a female passenger Tayla Pimlott, 26, described a terrifying encounter in 2024 where a male driver exposed and touched himself while driving her home from work in Adelaide. “There was a part of me that thought, ‘Oh God, I could die,'” she recalled, emphasizing the sheer terror of the situation. Fortunately, she escaped the vehicle and vowed never to use Uber again.
Uber confirmed that the driver involved in Pimlott’s incident was permanently banned after she reported the offense, highlighting the ongoing issues within the rideshare industry.
Founded in 2017, Shebah aims to address the critical gap in safety and representation in the rideshare market. With only 6% of rideshare drivers being women, Shebah is dedicated to increasing this number. A spokesperson stated, “Shebah was founded to fill a critical gap in the rideshare space — the need for greater safety for women as passengers and financial empowerment for women as drivers.”
To ensure safety, Shebah employs a rigorous recruitment process for drivers, which includes face-to-face interviews, safety training, and comprehensive background checks. This commitment to safety is resonating with users, as illustrated by Zam’s positive experience.
As more women share their stories and experiences, the demand for safer rideshare options like Shebah is likely to grow. This trend reflects a broader societal push for safety and respect within the transportation industry.
For those concerned about safety in rideshare services, Zam’s story is a compelling reminder that alternatives exist. With Shebah’s focus on women’s safety and empowerment, passengers may finally find a rideshare option that allows them to travel with peace of mind.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story. If you have a story tip, email [email protected]. Follow us on social media for the latest news.
