Addison Lee has joined forces with Think Pink, the female-led private hire and taxi drivers’ initiative powered by the Rosie May Foundation, to break down barriers and empower more women to become private hire and taxi drivers in the capital.

With women representing less than 7% of all private hire and taxi drivers in the UK - and less than 2.5% in London – the industry faces a significant gender imbalance.

Through this partnership, Addison Lee will actively support more women into the profession through dedicated training and mentorship programmes, helping them gain the skills, confidence and industry knowledge required to become licensed drivers. The initiative seeks not only to diversify the profession, but also to create flexible, sustainable career opportunities.

Yesterday, Addison Lee and Think Pink marked the launch of the partnership with an event at Addison Lee’s West Drayton fleet hub. The event highlighted a shared commitment to raising awareness and driving meaningful action to support women drivers and deliver lasting change.

Patrick Gallagher, Interim CEO at Addison Lee, commented: “The private hire profession needs to become more accessible for everyone. This partnership with Think Pink will build on the community of female drivers already working with Addison Lee by widening access to coaching, networking and practical support to help more women join – and thrive – on the road.”

Xhejsi Xhony, a female driver at Addison Lee, commented: “Becoming a private hire driver has given me a career that works around my life, not the other way around. Stepping into this profession can feel daunting at first, particularly when you don’t see many women doing it, but Addison Lee has always been incredibly supportive. The partnership with Think Pink reinforces a clear message that there is room for more of us and that we’ll be supported along the way.”

Mary Storrie, CEO at Think Pink, commented: “Through this partnership with Addison Lee, we aim not only to empower more women to become professional drivers in London, but to embed long-term change across the transport sector by reinforcing supportive pathways, dismantling historical gender barriers and creating a stronger community within private hire driving.”

Lilian Greenwood, Minister for Local Transport, said: “It’s fantastic to see an initiative which makes a career in private hire vehicle driving more accessible for women. This partnership not only opens doors to rewarding careers but also offers the practical skills and confidence to aspiring drivers so they can succeed.”

Mindy Ryait, a London-based air hostess who is training to become a PCO driver, commented: “After years of working in cabin crew, I reached a point where I wanted more control over my time and my future. Becoming a private hire driver offers the flexibility to build a career around my life, rather than adjusting my life around a rota.

"Partnerships like Think Pink and Addison Lee help make the transition feel achievable. Knowing there’s a network in place to guide and encourage women like me gives me the confidence to take this step and work towards being my own boss.”

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