Oslo taxi app offers new hope amid racial challenges in Norway

During a summer weekend in Oslo, as the nightlife came to an end, I ordered a taxi via an app and eagerly anticipated its arrival. This was a new experience for me, as it allowed me to retain fond memories of the night rather than the frustrations of hailing a cab.

For many people, especially those with darker skin, the experience of trying to catch a taxi can often be disheartening. Numerous drivers deliberately avoid picking up black passengers, particularly late at night on weekends—an issue that has persisted for years. Many of my friends and I have had to resort to buses or illegal taxis.

The motivations behind such behavior may stem from sensationalized media reports of violent gangs and personal negative experiences with unruly passengers, leading even those drivers who are themselves of diverse backgrounds to shy away from catering to black clients. I have frequently encountered situations where drivers would overlook me in favor of ethnic Norwegian passengers standing just a short distance away.

The situation became painfully evident during a holiday gathering with my ethnically Norwegian colleagues. When the night ended, I had to ask them to hail a taxi for me, as trying to do it myself felt impossible.

However, technology has recently transformed this experience. With the rise of taxi-hailing apps, the anonymity they bring allows me to enjoy moments without worrying about being judged based on my appearance. While challenges remain in the taxi industry, this new system offers a degree of security for both drivers and passengers. Ultimately, technology has the potential to minimize everyday racism, allowing individuals to be valued for who they are, beyond their physical appearance.