BEHIND THE WHEEL: FEMALE GIG DRIVERS’ PERSPECTIVES ON AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN RIDE-SHARING TRANSPORTATION

Abstract

The increasing reliance on e-hailing services by vulnerable populations highlights a gap in understanding the experiences of gig drivers who transport passengers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition associated with communication difficulties, sensory sensitivities, and repetitive behaviors, often requiring tailored support during transit. In Malaysia, Jom Makcik, a women-led social enterprise that provides travel companionship services for women, children, the elderly, and individuals with special needs. This qualitative study explores the lived experiences, challenges, and coping strategies of female gig drivers transporting both ASD and neurotypical passengers. Employing a Husserlian phenomenological approach, two online focus group discussions were conducted with ten Jom Makcik drivers, eight of whom had direct experience with ASD passengers. Thematic analysis revealed five themes: anticipating unpredictability, interpreting silence, navigating safety risks, maintaining routine, and managing emotional strain. Findings suggest that while drivers adapt through experiential learning and communication with parents, these measures remain inadequate without structured training and institutional support. The study emphasizes the need for inclusive policies and ASD-informed training tools to ensure safe, dignified, and equitable transport for all passengers within Malaysia’s gig economy.