Mumbai women say they will now think twice before calling a radio cab

Radio cabs are known to be popular among women for their safety features. But with Delhi's Uber cab rape case, women in Mumbai are now having second thoughts.

"The Delhi Uber cab rape case is an eye-opener. I always considered radio cabs to be a safer option while travelling at odd hours as I thought the driver's background is looked into by the company, besides the cab movement being strictly monitored," said Saili Smart, a computer engineer from Borivli.

City women say that with this case, choosing a radio cab for safety will never be the same again. Dr Hemalata Pandey, resident doctor, KEM hospital, said, "Radio cabs are selected for their comfort and security. I don't think I will go for one now. If I am forced to, I will ensure someone accompanies me."

Agreeing with Pandey and Smart, Malad resident Ipshita Lewis, senior area business manager with a leading diagnostic centre, said, "The GPS that radio cabs have is what makes us women feel safe, but the Delhi case has brought to light how the very system that ensures safety was manipulated. Now, I will think twice before deciding to call a radio cab."

Talking about safety while choosing public transport at odd hours, Nabanita Guha, a public relations executive who stays in Goregaon, said noting down the vehicle number is a must. "I have always been careful while taking transport at odd hours. While I prefer taking radio cabs, I make it a point to tell the vehicle number to my family or friends, and I constantly talk to someone or the other on phone. If you keep on updating a friend or family member about your status, it acts as a deterrent to the driver, if he has anything untoward on his mind," added Guha.