Women-only car services may violate anti-discrimination laws



BOSTON (AP) — Ride-hailing companies catering exclusively to women are cropping up and raising thorny legal questions.

In Massachusetts, Chariot for Women is promising to launch this summer featuring female drivers picking up solely women and children passengers.

In New York, SheRides is also aiming to reboot this summer as SheHails, following a failed attempt at the women's only rideshare idea two years ago.

But legal and industry experts warn the businesses likely violate federal and state anti-discrimination laws.

Chariot for Women founder Michael Pelletz believes his company is legal because it "serves an essential social interest."

Harry Campbell is an Uber and Lyft driver in Los Angeles who runs The Rideshare Guy, a blog and podcast. He agrees women's safety is a concern. But he fears the idea is a "slippery slope" to other types of discrimination.