FEMALES IN THE FLEET - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Driver Recruitment and Retention Manger, Leecabs, Take Me Group

Jodie first represented FITF at the Ground Transport event in Wembley in September. Jodie was so enthusiastic about the campaign that she took part in video info-mmercials for the Take Me Group to explain why being a driver is a good career choice for women. Jodie was a natural in front of the camera and is now currently involved in several projects, fast becoming the face of the Take Me Group. Jodie regularly runs driver training schools having over 10 years' experience in the industry. Jodie wants to see a national female fleet across the UK and is keen to be involved as much as she can to help be a key supporter of women who want to join the industry.

Lisa has been in the taxi trade for 30 years, starting as a driver herself. She helped build a family business and has been involved in all aspects of it and enjoys every role. Alongside her husband she turned a small company into something she is very proud of, now being one of the top 10 largest employees in her area (Malton) She is now a regional manager for the Take Me Group. Lisa wants to see the industry collaborate.

Job Titles:

• Founder

Rachel started raising awareness of the lack of females in the industry in an article she wrote for the PHTM where she questioned why so few women consider their trade as a viable option. National statistics confirmed the sector was underrepresented. Post covid less than 3% of taxi and private hire drivers are female yet more women take taxi journeys than men. Interviews, radio appearances, and podcasts took place to highlight this in line with International Women's Day 2022 #breakthebias. Rachel believes that there is little bias within the industry but plenty of misconceptions outside making it an overlooked choice of women as a career choice. However as Head of Operations of a taxi company Rachel knew firsthand that it could be a great place to work, great support, safety measures, and encouragement were all a reality. And best of all absolutely no gender pay gap.