Cologne's taxi voucher initiative boosts women's night safety
Deutsche Welle reports that Cologne is testing a new project to increase the safety of women returning home at night. The city is distributing free taxi vouchers that can be used from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM Greenwich Time.
The new project in Cologne offers women taxi vouchers worth €10 (approximately £9), intended to facilitate a safe return home at night. According to the city council, the initiative aims to increase security for women, who often fear using public transport after dark.
The project was enthusiastically received—almost all 1,500 vouchers were distributed within one day. The coupons can be used throughout the week from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM Greenwich Time. However, Deutsche Welle notes that only one woman can use one voucher, even if travelling in a group, and men cannot be present in the taxi.
Why is there a need for such actions?
Studies by the Federal Criminal Police Office indicate that more than half of women in Germany avoid using public transport after dark due to fears of violence or assault. In comparison, this fear applies to only one-quarter of men.
The project in Cologne is a response to these statistics. The city council emphasises that safety concerns should not limit women’s participation in public life.
The pilot programme will run until the end of August 2025. Every woman over the age of 16, as well as individuals with a different gender listed on their ID, can receive a maximum of three vouchers.
Cologne is not the only city in Germany implementing such solutions. Similar initiatives already exist in Heidelberg, Stuttgart, and Mannheim. In Munich, the taxi voucher system has been in place since 2020.
Although the project is popular, there are also critical opinions. Some believe that the voucher's value – €10 (approximately £9) – is insufficient to cover the cost of travel in a large city. Others point out the exclusion of men from the offer, which raises feelings of discrimination within this group.
