Uber, but for women? Probably illegal, experts say

Article here. Excerpt:

'It seems like a promising way to fill a market niche: an Uber-like service that aims to give female passengers peace of mind by ensuring that another woman is always behind the wheel.

But there is potentially a big problem. Civil rights lawyers say the new service being touted by local entrepreneurs, Chariot for Women, would probably conflict with Massachusetts’ antidiscrimination laws.

“This company sounds great. Whether it’s legal or not is a different question,” said Joseph L. Sulman, an employment law specialist based in West Newton.

SheTaxis representatives did not return messages seeking comment. But the company has previously said it would address gender-discrimination questions by routing ride requests from men to alternate car-service providers.

Chariot for Women said it aims to ensure the safety of both riders and drivers by leaving adult men out of the equation — women drivers don’t have to worry about physically threatening fares, the company said on its website, because Chariot allows only women and children as passengers.'

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