Page 4 - WHY SHEBAH

While Uber do not currently disclose how many assaults have occurred during their rides,
reports on attacks on passengers and drivers are common. (AP/AAP)

More alarming, a recent Submission to the Senate Inquiry report by the Australian Cross
Disability Alliance found that 90 per cent of intellectually disabled women had been or would
be sexually abused.

However as with Uber's launch receiving criticism from taxi services when they first started,
Shebah have also copped criticism from the rideshare industry.

Shebah are legally required to display signage on their cars and since its inception, there have
been two instances of taxi drivers targeting Shebah staff.

"We did receive negative feedback due to the 'women-only' nature of the service," Ms
McEncroe said.

"The critics were predominantly male. They would call to harass and abuse workers in our
office and try and defame us on social media. "This service is sexist because the nature of
sexual assault is."

Shebah drivers have been targeted by threatened taxi drivers in the past, so they meet at
checkpoints during shifts to ensure safety and wellbeing. (AAP)

She said Shebah rides are only available for women and children because these vulnerable
groups are commonly targeted by criminals and need transport they can feel safe in. By taking
male drivers and passengers out of the equation, Ms McEncroe said none of her drivers or
passengers have ever been assaulted on a ride.

Looking out for each other during a shift, her drivers are required to meet up with each other
regularly at designated sites and passengers even have the option of selecting a vehicle with a
camera that connects to FaceTime during the ride.