Skip to content
ADVERTISEMENT
BM Opinion

The road less travelled: Paving the way for women in London’s private hire sector

Today, women represent fewer than 7% of all private hire and taxi drivers across the UK. In, London that number falls to less than 2.5%.

Opinion
3 min read
Share
Woman with shoulder-length auburn hair, wearing hoop earrings and pink lipstick, smiling at camera against white background.
ADVERTISEMENT

London is one of the world’s most dynamic cities, with millions of journeys made every day. But behind the wheel of the vehicles that keep the capital moving, something remains strikingly absent: women.

Today, women represent fewer than 7% of all private hire and taxi drivers across the UK. In, London that number falls to less than 2.5%. We believe that needs to change.

The private hire sector offers something many women are looking for in modern careers, whether it is flexibility, independence or the ability to build a livelihood that works around family, education or other commitments.

Yet for many women, the pathway into the profession can feel daunting. When entering a predominantly male industry, the lack of visible role models and supportive networks can be discouraging.

That is why Think Pink partnerships like ours with Addison Lee are so important in helping create more supportive pathways into the industry.

ADVERTISEMENT

By working directly with Addison Lee, we are dismantling many of the barriers that have kept women from seeing private hire driving as a viable and rewarding career in the capital.

Dedicated training and mentorship programmes not only provide the technical skills required to become a licensed driver, but also the confidence and a supportive community of women drivers needed to thrive in the industry.

Together, we want to do more than just increase the number of women drivers – we want to build sustainable pathways into the profession, ensuring women have the tools, knowledge and networks to succeed once they get there.

ADVERTISEMENT

When women see other women thriving in a career, the profession feels much more accessible. That visibility can transform perceptions, both within the industry and among passengers.

For many women, driving professionally can offer a level of autonomy and flexibility that is increasingly rare in traditional employment. And at our partnership’s launch event earlier this month, we heard these experiences first-hand from existing and prospective Addison Lee drivers.

ADVERTISEMENT

Samantha Jane Bovell, who joined Addison Lee last year, said she appreciates the flexibility and strong safety support provided by the company, including access to a 24/7 operations team.

ADVERTISEMENT

The role allows her to continue working as a property manager, and she hopes to inspire more women to join the private hire industry.

Likewise, Mindy Ryait was a London-based air hostess who is now training to become a PCO driver.

After years of working in cabin crew, she reached a point where she wanted more control over her time and future. As such, becoming a private hire driver offers the flexibility to build a career around her life, rather than adjusting her life around a rota.

Most – if not all – meaningful change requires collaboration.

ADVERTISEMENT

Industry leaders, training providers and policymakers all have a role to play in making transport careers more appealing and inclusive.

Addison Lee’s commitment to supporting women drivers through mentorship, networking and practical guidance demonstrates how organisations can take tangible steps to address the imbalance.

A more diverse driver network better reflects the communities it serves and helps create a more welcoming environment for both drivers and passengers.

At Think Pink, we are proud to support women as they step into this profession and take control of their careers.

Our partnership with Addison Lee marks the beginning of a long-term effort to create lasting change in London – and beyond.

ADVERTISEMENT

Mary Storrie is CEO at Think Pink

Related