No one likes the daily stresses that comes from traffic congestion, being in a parking limbo and paying ridiculous amounts of parking fares. For that reason, public transportation is sometimes your best bet. For most women, commuting back and forth daily raises many safety concerns, and with the booming crime rates in our country, many really wouldn’t want to take the risk. However, there are measures you can take to ensure your safety while taking public transportation and here are six of them:
1. Dress decent – We’re not telling you what to wear, but you should know better not to test the waters in Malaysia, especially when you’re riding in a stranger’s car or when you’re standing in a crowded bus. To play it safe, always keep a cardigan in your bag so you can throw it on whenever you’re sporting an outfit that’s a little revealing.
2. Walk with the crowd – Just in case you get picked up or dropped off at a quiet area, plan your route wisely. Try not to walk down that sidewalk all alone, and look out for people walking in the same direction, so you could stay close until you’ve reached your destination.
3. Notify your loved ones – Whenever you’re taking public transportation, let your loved ones know and better yet, text them the number plate of the cab you’re riding in, or the bus and LRT route you’re currently on. You should never take your safety for granted and you’ll never know when your parents would need that information.
4. Observe closely – Whenever you’re on a cab, bus, or train, always be alert and observe your surroundings. Does the cab driver resemble the photo on the dashboard? Is a group of people getting too close for comfort on the LRT? If you sense something suspicious, draw attention toward you (in a bus or train) or request to be dropped off immediately (in a cab).
5. Be mindful of your belongings – We’re sure you’ve heard of people being pick-pocketed and robbed while commuting via public transport. Opt for a handbag with a zip closure so that no one would be able to dip their hands in, and if you’re carrying a backpack, sling it on your chest and grip onto it tightly. In cabs, be careful where you place your bag as the driver can swiftly pick your purse out when you’re not looking.
6. Mind your own business – Be friendly, but don’t be too friendly. People on the buses, trains and cabs are strangers, so don’t ever trust or reveal too much about yourself. Some cab drivers love chatting up their passengers and that’s fine, but when they start asking for your phone number or where you live, know better.
For an ideal choice of public transportation for women, we love GrabCar! Not only is it more comfortable, efficient and convenient to use via the MyTeksi app, women can get hold of the drivers’ details, track their rides in real-time and share the info with their loved ones to ensure optimum safety. On top of that, GrabCar is offering a 31% discount off all rides throughout the month of August in conjunction with the Merdeka celebrations!
Now’s the perfect time for you to try GrabCar out, so download the MyTeksi app on iOS, Blackberry and Android devices today, or find out more about GrabCar’s service via this website.
