LAHORE: Amber Ehsan, a single mother of three, has worked as an online cab driver for several years.

She entered the profession to support her children during serious financial difficulties. Amber said she also wanted to become financially independent.

In an interview with ARY News, Amber explained how she started driving professionally. She joined an online cab service as an owner-driver in 2015.

At the time, she was raising her children alone. She needed work that required little additional investment.

Amber already owned a car and knew how to drive. She decided to use those skills to earn a living.

She said women are often encouraged to choose skills like sewing or makeup. However, she decided to build her career around driving.

When Amber became a cab driver, very few women worked in the profession. She therefore received different reactions from passengers.

She said many passengers treated her respectfully. However, she also faced inappropriate behavior during some rides.

Security Concerns for Female Drivers

Amber recalled several difficult incidents during her years on the road. In one incident, young passengers allegedly behaved inappropriately with her.

She said the passengers cut her shirt and recorded the incident. The experience left her deeply distressed.

Amber said she could not return to work for around a month. She later resumed driving despite the difficult experience.

In another incident, a passenger allegedly asked her to stop in an isolated location. The passenger then displayed a weapon and robbed her.

Amber said the passenger took cash, her mobile phone and other valuables. She also said the passenger forced her to transfer money through the cab application.

The passenger then punctured both tyres of her car and fled. Amber said such incidents highlight security concerns for female drivers.

She acknowledged that online cab companies have introduced safety measures. However, she believes additional steps are needed to protect women drivers.

Amber also raised concerns about passenger account information. She said some men book rides using accounts registered under women’s names.

However, she stressed that not every male passenger behaves badly. She said she has also met many respectful passengers.

Fewer Rides Amid Rising Costs

Amber said higher petrol prices have affected her income. She previously completed around 10 to 15 rides each day.

According to her, the number has now dropped to around eight or nine rides. Despite fewer bookings, her household expenses remain high.

She sometimes continues working until midnight or even later. Her earnings help cover school fees, electricity bills and other expenses.

Amber said financial pressure sometimes forces her to drive late at night. She continues working to meet her family’s needs.

Dream of a Permanent Home

Amber has three children, including two sons and a daughter. She said supporting them remains her main priority.

Before becoming an online cab driver, Amber worked in the garments sector. A medical complication later left her bedridden for some time.

During that period, her mother provided accommodation and helped care for her children. Amber eventually returned to work and began driving professionally.

She said her biggest dream is to own a home for her children. She wants them to have a permanent roof over their heads.

Amber acknowledged that years of financial difficulties have been exhausting. Despite these challenges, she continues working to support her family.

Her experience highlights the challenges faced by women working in the transport sector. It also reflects the financial pressures affecting independent drivers.

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For Amber, driving remains an important source of income. She continues to work despite safety concerns and fewer daily rides.