FREENOW launches safety drive as research highlights rising fears over nightlife travel
- Perry Richardson
- Sep 18
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 19
New research from taxi app FREENOW has found that 73% of people across the UK feel unsafe in their town or city at night, with concerns about harassment and vulnerability increasingly shaping how people use transport.
The survey revealed that unwanted physical attention from strangers is reported on average more than once a month. Nearly half of women said they had felt uncomfortable in the past six months due to someone walking closely behind them.
Fears over safety are directly influencing behaviour, with almost three quarters of respondents saying the availability of safe transport affects whether they stay out later or leave early. More than half admitted cutting short a night out to avoid travelling home in the dark.
Among young people, 86% said they felt nervous returning home alone after a night out, while 70% had delayed leaving in order to avoid walking alone. Ethnicity and sexual orientation also shaped experiences, with over half of respondents saying these factors impacted how safe they felt. Two thirds of those from mixed or multiple ethnic backgrounds said safety had worsened in the last year.
In response, FREENOW has partnered with Stop Hate UK to train drivers on how to spot and respond to discrimination and passenger safety concerns. The collaboration also introduces a new “round-up” feature through Little Door & Co, a London-based hospitality group, allowing customers to round up fares or bar tabs in support of Stop Hate UK.
The research also highlighted the role of transport choice. Nearly half of respondents considered black cabs safer than other options, with one in four gay passengers specifically choosing them for journeys home at night. Safety features such as live journey tracking and sharing driver details were also cited as important by passengers.
FREENOW and its partners aim to strengthen confidence in late-night travel by combining driver training, awareness campaigns and practical tools. The initiative seeks to support both passengers and hospitality staff while encouraging people to stay out longer and contribute to the nighttime economy.
Danny O’Gorman, UKI General Manager at FREENOW, said: “Our research reveals just how widespread the issue of public safety is. We want to make it easier for everyone to get out and enjoy what their city has to offer, knowing they can get home safely. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Stop Hate UK and venues like Little Door and Co to create a more inclusive, supportive nightlife culture.”
Rose Simkins, Chief Executive of Stop Hate UK, said: “Everyone deserves to feel safe in public spaces - whether that’s during the day or on a night out. Sadly, this research shows that anxiety and vulnerability are still very real, especially among certain groups. Through our partnership with Freenow and the unique training we’ve delivered for drivers, we’re aiming to raise awareness and support those affected by hate crime. The funds raised will be pivotal in allowing us to develop an app exclusive platform to ensure that people can access support wherever they are.”
