Although the application is dedicated to the female universe, which has “great acceptance” considering the pre-registrations on the platform, both for users and drivers, Mónica Faneco said that the feedback from men is also “very good” .
Pinker, a new TVDE platform that will come into force in the coming days, aims to provide women with security when they request a vehicle, which will be driven exclusively by women, project founder Mónica Faneco told Lusa.
The new electronic transportation platform in unmarked vehicles assumes that the main difference compared to its competitors operating in Portugal, Uber and Bolt, is that it accepts only female drivers and is for the exclusive use of women.
“We want to give women security and confidence in our services, as an alternative to what already exists”, explained Mônica Faneco, refusing to qualify the service of the applications already operating in terms of security.
The Pinker operation will start “at the end of this week, the beginning of next week”, said Mónica Faneco, refusing to reveal the exact day the platform will go on the road, first in Lisbon, to expand to the city Porto. and other places.
The person responsible said that the project appeared around 2019 with the “idea of a transfer and event service” for women, but “there was something that made the TVDE application necessary and expanded the idea”.
However, with the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic, the idea matured “and it helped to have things well structured”, until this year it was time for the challenge to move on.
“It is a 100% Portuguese application, which was not easy to create from the beginning, there was a lot of investment, but we managed to deal with everything in a calm and calm way to set it up”, said the businesswoman .
Mónica Faneco also said that Pinker is already licensed in Portugal and Europe, and that “there are more than a thousand interested drivers”.
To date, six years after the entry into force of the law, published in the Diário da República in August 2018, which regulates the activity of TVDE, there are two platforms working in Portugal: Uber and Bolt.
How does Pinker plan to address safety concerns for female commuters in the transportation industry?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Mónica Faneco, Founder of Pinker
Editor: Good afternoon, Mónica. Thank you for joining us today. Your new TVDE platform, Pinker, has been generating significant buzz, especially among women. Can you tell us what inspired you to create this platform?
Mónica Faneco: Good afternoon! Thank you for having me. The inspiration for Pinker stemmed from my own experiences and the conversations I had with other women regarding transportation. Many expressed concerns about safety when using existing ride-hailing services, particularly when they were driven by male drivers. I wanted to create a solution that prioritizes security and comfort for female commuters, ensuring they feel safe and supported.
Editor: That’s a powerful motivation, indeed. The platform is dedicated explicitly to women, yet you mentioned in your statement that the feedback from men has also been quite positive. Can you elaborate on that?
Mónica Faneco: Absolutely! While Pinker focuses on the female experience, we’ve found that many men appreciate the concept as well. They recognize the importance of safety and comfort in all forms of transportation. Also, some male riders have expressed interest in our model, appreciating the idea of sharing a safe space. This broader acceptance highlights a growing awareness around gender safety in transport, which is encouraging.
Editor: It’s intriguing to see how the platform aims to build a community of safety. Compared to giants like Uber and Bolt, what do you consider the main distinguishing features of Pinker?
Mónica Faneco: The primary difference lies in our commitment to providing an all-female driving experience. This means that all our drivers are women, creating a unique environment where female passengers can feel more secure. Additionally, our app will incorporate features tailored to women, such as SOS buttons and a community rating system, which fosters an added layer of trust and accountability.
Editor: That sounds like a very thoughtful approach. How has the pre-registration phase been for Pinker? Are you seeing a good number of users expressing interest in the platform?
Mónica Faneco: Yes, we’ve had great acceptance during the pre-registration stage! The response has exceeded our expectations, both from potential users and drivers. We’ve seen a strong demand for a service that prioritizes safety and community, and it’s heartening to know that many women are eager for this kind of option in the market.
Editor: That’s fantastic to hear! As Pinker prepares to launch, what are your future aspirations for the platform? How do you envision it evolving?
Mónica Faneco: My vision for Pinker is to not only be a reliable transport option but also to become a supportive community for women. I hope to create partnerships with various organizations focused on women’s safety and empowerment. Ultimately, we aim to expand beyond transportation—offering resources, support networks, and even mentorship opportunities, further fostering a sense of community and security.
Editor: It sounds like Pinker is about to pave the way for a significant change in the transportation landscape. what message do you want to convey to potential users and drivers out there?
Mónica Faneco: My message would be to trust in the vision and join our community. For users, embrace the opportunity to travel with comfort and safety, knowing that they are supported by women like themselves. For potential drivers, we welcome you to join us in this mission, helping to reshape how women experience transportation. Together, we can create a safer, more inclusive environment for everyone.
Editor: Thank you, Mónica. It’s been a pleasure discussing Pinker with you, and I’m excited to see how it will transform the transport sector for women in Portugal!
Mónica Faneco: Thank you so much for having me! I’m excited too and looking forward to making a real difference.