We are delighted to hear that taxi drivers are helping to combat COVID-19 by providing free taxi journeys to the vulnerable. Black cabs and private hire taxis across the whole of the UK are transporting people to their local vaccination centres. While in London some drivers are actually transporting the vaccine along with a medical professional to those who cannot leave their homes.
Free Taxi Rides for the Vulnerable.
Large and small taxi operators are happy to assist the elderly and vulnerable in getting to their vaccination centres. Taxis are considered to be the safest mode of transport and some centres are not easily accessible via public transport. Private hire operator Veezu, incorporates taxi companies across Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds and South Wales and they have been working with local GP surgeries to coordinate taxi journeys. Regional Director, Jack Price said “We are helping to assist the first wave of people get their vaccinations. Even if you are not eligible for the free journey, we may be able to help you. This might be a useful option as public transport services are being reduced.”
Uber is also offering schemes across England and covering up to £15 towards the costs. This promotion is set to run until the end of February. Another taxi company Bolt has said it has 50,000 drivers in London on standby to assist with the vaccination programme.
Taxi Drivers Assist Mobile Vaccinators
In London, a small number of taxi drivers are assisting the Central London Community NHS Trust. Cabbies are transporting mobile vaccinators to the extremely vulnerable who are unable to attend an appointment at a vaccination centre. The lucky drivers will also receive the vaccine themselves at they are at great risk. A representative from the NHS Trust explains how important this work is “We are extremely grateful to drivers for giving up their time to help us to get vaccines to the most vulnerable. Not everyone can get to a vaccination centre so transporting nurses to deliver these vaccines to people’s homes is a real lifeline.”
More Help Needed for the Trade
The UK government have still to provide specific help for the taxi trade and only some local councils have provided financial support. The trade unions have also written to the government asking for vaccine prioritisation due to their high-risk work.
At Cab Direct it’s great to hear news of taxi drivers continuing to help their passengers and we hope to see the trade pick back up to what it was before COVID 19.
If we can be of any assistance whether you are looking for a new or used taxi please call the number at the top of this page or enquire online.