West Belfast’s iconic shuttle run Black Taxis withdraw services amid Coronavirus pandemic

West Belfast’s iconic black taxi service will call a holt due to the unprecedented outbreak of Covid-19, it has been announced.

A statement released by Belfast Taxis CIC, said: “It is with deep regret that we have to inform customers that due to health and safety and the inability to insure passengers/drivers and staff well-being during these unprecedented times we have to make the decision to withdraw our services as and from 7.00pm on the 25th of March 2020.

”We are hopeful that this decision will be a temporary measure and we will review this on a regular basis.

”These are extraordinary times for all of us and we hope that everyone keeps safe during these very worrying times.”

The familiar London-style hackney taxis arrived in West Belfast during the height of the country’s political troubles, offering an invaluable hop-on, hop-off service when regular transport services were severely disrupted.

The service has become an iconic, symbolic part of West Belfast used by many.

Now, due to the worldwide spread of Covid-19, and the call from Boris Johnson for people to remain home, those in charge of the black taxi service have made the decision that safety must come first for everyone involved.

Image credit: Pixabay