PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Safety is a top priority for all rideshare companies. Everyone wants to avoid sexual assault, physical attack or just plain discomfort.

The vast majority of rides are uneventful, but a new option in Pittsburgh is hoping to carve out a niche for women. KDKA consumer researcher Meghan Schiller introduces a new rideshare club for women: Periwinkle Ladies Travel Club.

What is the Periwinkle Ladies Travel Club?

“I have a great passion for community. I like to call it the sisterhood of safety,” said Phylana Stowers, founder of the Periwinkle Ladies Travel Club.

Phylana Stowers got behind the wheel of a rideshare for the first time during the pandemic.

“I’ve talked to so many women who were excited to see me and meet a woman late at night,” Stowers said.

For this reason, she felt there should be an option for people who want it.

“I know a lot of people wonder if this is really necessary. For some women it is and they should have that option,” Stowers said.

Join the Periwinkle Ladies Travel Club. The new members-only club opens in Pittsburgh on October 12th and will serve female riders and female drivers within a 15-mile radius of Point State Park.

Stowers said someone had tried this before without success.

“Someone tried it before and it resulted in a discrimination lawsuit. So we got around the issue by saying it’s a private membership club and that’s how we’re dealing with the situation,” Stowers said.

She hopes to appeal to female students looking for a late-night ride, service workers and any women who feel more comfortable in a car with a female driver.

Memberships will be discounted until the launch date, but will eventually be offered for $50 per year for regular members and $25 per year for students or drivers.

Stowers hopes to spread the message and attract potential female riders interested in her cause.

“We need everyone. We want everyone to join,” Stowers said. “We want to have the biggest club we can have.”

Member registration is now live.