This is with reference to the report “Crackdown on independent drivers worries working women” (Sept .3). I agree that a solution needs to be reached whereby independent drivers can still legally transport women around in the Kingdom.  I would in fact go one step further and suggest that perhaps it’s time to think of a more long term, logical solution to the transportation problems endured by women in the Kingdom. Firstly, by allowing women to drive and secondly, by providing an effective and reliable mode of public transportation for them. Due to a lack of these prerequisites women from all walks of life living in the Kingdom face a far-reaching dilemma! 
This applies to both Saudi and expat women alike and includes the workingwomen, students, and mothers picking and dropping their children to and from school; women who have doctors’ appointments; women who need to shop for their groceries or those wishing to meet their friends and families. Not to mention those who find themselves requiring urgent medical attention and needing to get to the hospital in an emergency! The list is endless. 
The article also brings to light that not every household has its own driver under its sponsorship and that in some household multiple members need to get to different destinations at the same time.  This is a common problem leaving the family members in a difficult position.  A reasonable solution to this would be by allowing women to drive and by providing effective public transportation for them.
I also urge the government to provide women with decent and accessible means of public transport like public women-only buses. — Umber Khan, Riyadh