Having failed as an auto-rickshaw driver about three years back, transgender, Rani Kinnar, has made a name for herself as a cab driver. Working for Uber, she has become the country’s first five-star rated cab driver.
Due to lack of trust and support from the society, Rani had not been able to eke out a living as an auto driver. But she was determined not to give up or resort to begging. Later, she volunteered to drive an ambulance during the Rath Yatra at Puri, before joining Uber as a partner driver.
Realising Rani’s desire to own a car, Uber started a fund-raising campaign for her, through which she managed to receive Rs. 1,86,000. With this, she was able to fulfil her dream of purchasing her own vehicle, and she now continues to work with the ride-sharing company as a driver partner in Bhubaneswar. Not only does she own a car now, but she is busy encouraging others from her community to earn their livelihood in a respectable manner.
Rani is not the only transgender associated with Uber. Arav has also been working with the Company as a ‘driver under partner’ since November last year. The Company is trying to think of ways to help him realise his dream of owning a car too. It is trying to get him the best possible rates.
Cab driving may be a good option for transgenders to earn an honourable living. Being transgenders, they have the added advantage of earning the trust of women passengers, who feel safer riding with them, especially at odd hours.
