Just For Women Ride-Sharing Service Coming To Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Ride-share services like Uber are more popular than ever. They are quick and convenient, but some worry about the safety of those services.

Soon, there will be a new option in Pittsburgh and it's just for women.

Kait Schoeb, 26 of Crafton, often relies on Uber to get to work and for nights out in the city.

"If I know it's going to be really cold that day, I figure if I'm going to pay to park then I might as well have somebody drop me off right in front of the place," said Schoeb.

Although Schoeb has never had a problem with Uber, she admits safety is always a concern, especially when it comes to getting into a car with a male driver.

"For the most part, nobody has ever done anything to make me feel uncomfortable, but I think as a woman, you kind of always have that in the back of your mind," said Schoeb.

Schoeb isn't the only one who has had those thoughts. Michael Pelletz, a former Uber driver, worked a lot of late nights.

"Women would just jump into my car that weren't even my passengers and so, as the father of two daughters and I have an amazing wife at home, that scared me. So, I said there has to be a better way to do this to keep women safe," said Pelletz.

Those situations prompted Pelletz to create Chariot for Women, which has been renamed SafeHer.

It's a ride-share service for women with vehicles only driven by women. Pelletz says it is a win-win for customers and drivers.

"Picking up men that I don't know, or are out drinking all night, anything can happen. I'm a woman with responsibilities. I have three kids. I have to look out for myself," said SafeHer driver Bobbie-Jo Deprey.

In addition to accommodating women, children are a big focus for this company. In fact, booster seats will be installed in every car.

The company is based in Massachusetts, but it is expanding fast here in Pittsburgh.

More than 150 local drivers have already signed on board and are currently going through background checks.

Service in Pittsburgh is expected to be up and running soon.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter