A new women-driving-women ride-sharing program in London, Ontario.

This summer, a ride hailing service for women and riders and drivers of different genders will be launched in London, Ontario.

Wilma is a new women-driving-women membership service that will be operational throughout Forest City this month.

"I didn't expect to be an entrepreneur," said Wilma CEO and co-founder Terry Phipps. "But if not me, who, if not now, wondered someday."

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Phipps said a friend spent a particularly scary time with a male rideshare driver in Houston, Texas. After hearing about the experience, the idea came to her.

"She was actually traveling 90 miles an hour on the highway in the opposite direction of the hotel, and she noticed that there was no bar on her phone," she explained. "She had this moment when all the blood spilled from her face.

" She's high-tech security I worked for a company and created a story about my boss waiting for her at the hotel, "Phips said. "(Say) he tracked my phone and probably turned on voice recognition. Then she inserted the driver's name and it works. He took off the next lamp and doubled. Back to the hotel. After a 45-minute detour, she just wants to kiss the ground when she goes out. "

Last month, London police said a female passenger was beaten. After saying that, he charged a 67-year-old male ride-sharing driver.

After reading online about more unpleasant encounters between women and rideshare drivers, Phipps made plans with Wilma's underlying Calgary friends.

"Wilma is about freedom," said Mary Morrison, Vice President and Co-Founder of Partnerships at Wilma. "For all women who have ever felt uncomfortable, they need to compose a story, fake a phone call, or mention a non-existent husband to ensure safety when riding.

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Phipps says that the name "Wilma" is a German word meaning a determined guardian. I explained that it comes from the Dutch language.

"She was also the first female taxi driver in New York City in 1915 and her name was Wilmarossi," she said. "But in reality, my late mother's name is Wilma."

High school teacher and five A single mother, Phipps, remembered what she said on a family trip to the mall.

"My mom said," You have five and I have one. So if you get lost, find your mom and find Wilma, and she will Make sure you get home safely. "It really stuck to me," she said.

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She states Wilma, a woman can sign up for a monthly membership exempt from booking fees, which ensures that drivers maintain 85% of their fees. I add that it is also useful for.

"This will attract more women to the gig economy," she said. "Because I wasn't safe before, I didn't want to drive on Friday and Saturday nights, so there was a slight difference in wages before, so I could drive at any time, not just in a safe time."

Also launched in Toronto, Missisoga and Ontario, the Ride Hailing Program will be available throughout London from July 26th.

Phipps explained why London was chosen as one of Wilma's first cities

"London was very supportive," she said. Emphasized "overwhelming" positive reactions from local universities, universities, cities and local organizations. “It was an absolutely obvious choice because I wanted to build, measure, and learn across the idea of ​​leading a startup.

"I hope London will be able to overcome our growing pains and bring this service to all parts of the north. America to all women who need it."

In an Angus Reed survey of Wilma, four in five Canadian women (about 79%) provided a women-only ride-hailing service when offered in their city. They say they will buy

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