In an effort to curb sexual harassment, the Mexican city of Puebla has launched a fleet of 35 pink cabs being driven by women solely for female passengers. Pink Taxi de Puebla, which is privately financed, invested about $440,000 to start the service while the Puebla state government provided licensing and training.

If the program succeeds, officials are planning to expand it to other cities. However, women's rights activists are appalled by the move.

figured out one way to curb sexual harassment: Paint taxis pink, equip them with a beauty kit and put a woman behind the wheel.

Catering to female passengers sick of being ogled by lecherous cabbies, the Mexican city of Puebla has launched a fleet of 35 pink cabs driven by women solely for women passengers.

The women of Puebla like the idea so far. Pink Taxi driver Aida Santos said:

"Some of the woman who have been on board tell us how male taxi drivers cross the line and try to flirt with them and make inappropriate propositions. They won't have that feeling of insecurity, and they feel more relaxed."

The women-only taxis are not only driven by females, but the cabbies also provide beauty supplies to passengers on request. The compact, 4-door Chevrolet cabs are also equipped with a tracking device and an alarm button connected to emergency services.

In Mexico City there was a proposal for women only taxi service in 2007, but it failed to get off the ground. However, Mexico City does offer women-only buses and subway cars at rush hour.

Around the world, women-only taxis are picking up in popularity, in cities such as Dubai and Moscow.