Taxi drivers continue to work during COVID-19 playing their part ferrying key workers around the UK
Taxi drivers are playing their part in ferrying key workers around the UK as they continue to operate during the COVID-19 crisis.
Several firms and self-employed drivers have been offering their services for heavily reduced fares, and in some cases for free, to NHS staff and the most vulnerable sections of the community.
Two of the UK’s biggest black taxi apps, Freenow and Gett, have created a special booking option on their platforms; NHS Heroes. They are offering a reduced fare to NHS workers, allowing them to get to hospitals quickly and safely.
Freenow’s reduced rate equates to 50% off the lowest tariff and Gett drivers are offering £10 rides for their NHS Heroes scheme in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Reading, as well as London zones 1-3.
Taxi drivers in Bristol are delivering emergency food parcels for the city’s most vulnerable households. Emergency goods supplied by central government to Bristol’s City Hall are being packed into individual bags by Bristol City Council workers and volunteers, and then finally being distributed by local taxi drivers.
Nottingham City Council licensed taxi drivers are generously offering NHS workers free journeys to and from work.
Traditional black taxis have a partition separating the driver and passengers travelling in the vehicle. The design of a purpose built taxi also means the vehicle is built to be easily cleaned and wiped after each journey.
For even further added security, the Mercedes Vito and electric LEVC TXE taxi models position the passenger over the government’s recommended 2 metre distance too.
Taxi drivers can continue working after the Department for Transport (DfT) gave taxi drivers and local authorities the green light to offer their services during the current COVID-19 government isolation measures.
Title image credit: LEVC