SheRides Launches App For All-Female Livery Service In NYC

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The mobile app for the all-female livery service SheRides has officially launched in New York City.

SheTaxis, known as SheRides in New York City, began offering its services to women through its website on Sept. 15, but had to postpone the launch of its app due to overwhelming customer demand.

SheRides spokeswoman Tamika Mallory said back in September the postponement was necessary because the company only had 100 female cab drivers ready to go at the time.

"We need at least 500 drivers in order for us to be able to come into the market and release our app to the public," Mallory said.

SheRides said the delay of the app launch highlights the need for more women drivers in the industry.

In response, SheRides said it plans to organize 1,000 women to obtain licenses from the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission during the month of November.

It wasn't clear on Wednesday exactly how many female cab drivers the service has hired since September.

The app is now available for download for iPhone users. It is expected to eventually be made available for Android.

Mallory said it's easy to use.

"You hit the app, you tell the system where you are, it locates you, it sends a car, drops you off and that's it," Mallory said.

Founder Stella Mateo, who has two daughters, said SheRides is about safety and comfort levels for female passengers, as well as job opportunities for female drivers.

"I always thought if I had the choice of a female driver it would make it so much easier," Mateo said adding, "It's a matter of us having a choice and creating an opportunity, a movement, for equality, equal pay."

"We are looking to empower women to be in the driving seat and the passenger seat of the taxi system in New York," Mallory said.

Drivers will have bright pink scarves and their cars will include pink stickers, 1010 WINS' Juliet Papa reported.

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