A Saint John entrepreneur is considering the idea of establishing a taxi service in the city staffed by female drivers and catering only to women.

Dave Barnes said he is in the process of researching the idea and wants to know if women in Saint John would use the service.

The Saint John businessman said the service would offer some women a greater sense of security, particularly those who have had unpleasant experiences with male drivers.

"They've all had stories about getting into taxis and having an, 'Oh my God' moment as soon as they close the door, 'Perhaps I shouldn't have gotten in with this guy,'" Barnes said.

"And that's not being disrespectful to the majority of taxi drivers that are out there, that are busting it every day just to make a living and put food on their table. But there are guys out there that probably shouldn't be behind the wheel."

The Saint John entrepreneur said he’s already spoken with some female drivers who are interested in taking part in the business. Barnes said he’d like to have five or six cars on the road in the future.

Barnes said the idea has caught on in Europe and he thinks it could work in Saint John.

"In Europe, they're springing up all over the place," he said.

"And they're having a great deal of success in particular with the growing Muslim community, and I think that's a target market for me here."