Khaled Al-Suleiman
I HAVE received several complaints from readers about cases of harassment that they, or some of their family members, have suffered at the hands of taxi drivers of the new and popular smartphone applications that provide transportation services through companies, such as Uber and Careem. Some video clips documenting these cases have gone viral.
I have advised all of these complainants to go to the police. Silence is the only thing that allows such incidents to continue. In some cases, some young women have been harassed by drivers who have contacted them after they have reached their destinations.
Although the cases are small compared to the size of the operations, these companies may have to scrutinize the suitability of drivers. The system may need to be adjusted to ensure that drivers cannot access the telephone numbers of passengers and that communication through the application is limited. These companies also need to monitor their drivers’ behavior and provide passengers with ways of lodging complaints.
I am convinced that the vast majority of drivers registered in these applications are looking to earn a decent living. However, there are individuals who abuse the system in every profession. Some “drivers” register themselves with very fancy cars. It is as if the goal is not to drive people but to have access to women.
