FEMALE taxi passengers would be driven by female cabbies under plans for a women-only taxi network.

Network Taxi Link said there was a need for a premium service because some women felt uncomfortable in taxis.

Director Harry Katsiabanis said he had three female drivers working for him and wanted to increase that number to 50.

He said he would then seek exemption from equal opportunity laws.

"We have identified a need in the market. We will apply to VCAT to get the exemption for equal opportunity from a gender issue, like Fernwood gym,'' Mr Katsiabanis said.

"From a safety point of view, I think women feel more at ease with women. We are trying to create a more comfortable environment, an environment that will be more readily used than the current one.''

Under the plan, cabs in the network, dubbed Taxi Link Pink, would be painted pink, subject to the industry regulator's approval. Female passengers could then request a female driver when they booked a cab.

Mr Katsiabanis said he thought women and male drivers had different demeanours.

"I think women are more caring and I think that they've got a more gentle demeanour than most men, so I think they'll cope well (with) the stress and pressures of traffic in Melbourne,'' he said.

Cabbie Hanna Heincke, 60, said she enjoyed meeting people from all over the world.

"It's just interesting and when you do a lot of little old ladies it is very rewarding to give them a hand. They are very thankful,'' Ms Heincke, who started driving when she and her then husband bought a licence more than 30 years ago, said.

She said many passengers were surprised to jump into the cab and see a woman behind the wheel, but backed the idea of a women-only network.

"I have had that every day since I've driven. They're just surprised to see a lady and then they think it's very good. If it's a young woman or an older woman, they're very happy and they feel safer,'' she said.

Ms Heincke, who doesn't drive past 9pm, said she hadn't had many challenging passengers.

"I've never been attacked, thank heavens, I've had runners, where they've just gotten out and bolted,'' she said.

"I've never driven at night. You get the feeling. You know straight away when something is wrong.

"When you do have a problem situation, it might sound silly. but sometimes being a lady helps. Being a woman, I don't think they can do it; they look twice and think, 'I can't hit a lady'. It's been an advantage I think.''

Taxi Services Commission chair Graeme Samuel said from what he heard the idea fitted in with his vision for the industry, where networks set themselves apart with better service, new fare offerings and distinct branding.

"My strong view is that competition is going to be the best way in which this industry will improve and respond to the requirements of consumers, of customers,'' he said.

"If Harry Katsiabanis can offer the competition that we are seeking, then all strength to his arm.''

Weblink: taxilinkpink.com.au

amelia.harris@news.com.au