Face covering support and guidance arrives for cabbies from London’s taxi booking apps
Support and advice for taxi drivers unsure where to source face coverings has arrived as drivers start to think about re-entering the industry after lockdown.
A fortnight ago, all taxi and private hire companies and drivers were asked by Transport for London (TfL) to put protective measures in place including ensuring face coverings are worn by drivers.
London’s transport regulator also requested that all taxi and app booking firms help drivers have access to appropriate face coverings by sourcing supplies where possible.
TaxiPoint contacted three of London’s app hailing services to see how they were supporting taxi drivers looking to dip their toes back into the industry after an enforced lockdown break.
In a recent update to drivers a spokesperson for Gett said: “Passengers and business clients have told us that they require extra reassurance at this time and seeing a driver wearing a face covering makes them feel more confident about getting into a black cab.”
Gett have also teamed up with Facemasks-uk.com to offer its drivers exclusive discounts and provided advice on how to make a simple covering.
There was also support from rival booking app FREENOW. A spokesperson from the company told TaxiPoint: “We’ve provided hundreds of face masks, gloves and sanitisers to all black cab drivers that were supporting the NHS by completing NHS Heroes trips.
“In general, the Government guidelines now state that medical face masks are reserved for healthcare workers, while everyone else should wear home-made face coverings.
“We are continuing to follow TfL guidance and are looking into how we can help to source face coverings for drivers and we will continue to support drivers in sourcing protective equipment going forward, whenever it is possible.”
TaxiPoint contacted black taxi app Taxiapp for comment and have so far had no response.
The government have also produced guidance on how to wear and make a cloth face covering which covers your mouth and nose while allowing you to breathe comfortably.